The boy, named Rayan, has been trapped in the well for more than 24 hours, but is said to be still alive, according to Moroccan authorities. Video images show how rescuers lower a camera tens of meters deep until the boy appears in the picture. He is still breathing and can even move.
According to official reports, the rescue operation would have started around 5 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday evening. Volunteers have already tried twice to descend into the shaft. It is only half a meter wide and the oxygen is low, so both attempts failed. For Rayan, the emergency services lowered oxygen bottles so that the boy had enough air.
In the meantime, rescuers have deployed larger tools, including an excavator. This was able to dig up to 28 meters deep, after which the action was stopped because it had become too dangerous.
Hundreds of bystanders gathered at the well to offer support to Rayan and his family.