November 10, 2025 - A third dive team entered the Rolling Thunder coal mine in Nicholas County, WV Sunday night in hopes of locating a missing miner.

A wall separating a previous mined area from the active mine gave way Saturday afternoon flooding the mine along 20-Mile Creek Road near Swiss and Drennen.

The mine is owned by Alpha Metallurgical Resources.

Nicholas County Commissioner Craig Chapman said it’s believed the miner is 3,000 to 4,000 feet underground. No contact has been made with him.

The dive teams are working six-hour shifts.

“They say in some places (the water) is ankle deep and in some places full height deep,” Chapman said.

Commissioner Garrett Cole said it’s been an emotional time for all but he’s thankful for the response.

“It’s impressive to see all of the agencies working together to try and get to this guy,” Cole said. “They are doing an excellent job mobilizing resources and putting things together to try and reach him as quickly as they can.”

Commissioner Gary Roberts said it’s a waiting game at this point. He said the mining community has made everything available that’s needed at the mine site.

Local, state, and federal agencies continue working around the clock with Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc., to locate the missing miner at the Nicholas County Rolling Thunder Mine.

Since the initial event, numerous organizations have joined in the rescue effort, including the…

— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) November 10, 2025

Gov. Patrick Morrisey tweeted out an update Sunday night:

“Since the initial event, numerous organizations have joined in the rescue effort, including the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training (OMHST), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the West Virginia State Police, and local emergency responders, along with specialized dive and drilling teams.

“Dive teams have entered the mine twice during the search. The first team explored several sections earlier in the day, while the second team surveyed additional areas until conditions required their return. Crews continue to focus on lowering water levels and improving air quality to make deeper exploration possible.

“All responding agencies remain fully engaged and in constant coordination, and the safety of all personnel remains the highest priority.

“Drilling is ongoing, and additional equipment is being mobilized.”

The governor continued to ask state residents to pray for the miner and his family.