HUNAN, Aug. 2 -- A Chinese diver has stunned the nation after surviving five days trapped in a submerged cave system in Hunan province, in what many netizens are calling a miracle of willpower and endurance.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the incident occurred on July 19 when the man, surnamed Wang, disappeared just five minutes into a river dive with a friend in Furong Town, Xiangxi.

The river, several dozen metres deep, leads to a complex cave network with an entrance located around nine metres below the surface. Wang, said to be in his 40s, failed to resurface, prompting an immediate search.

Authorities sought assistance from the Xiangxi Shuguang Rescue Team and special police divers from Baise in Guangxi. Two dee...