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Thailand cave rescue: divers work to rescue missing football team – live Thailand cave rescue: boys may spend weeks trapped underground, rescuers warn – live
(35 minutes later)
News that the boys and their coach have been found is trending on Twitter today.
In Thailand, three hashtags to do with the search are trending: #13ชีวิตรอดแล้ว (the 13 have survived), as well as the name of the cave in both Thai and English: #ThamLuang #ถํ้าหลวง
Trending on Twitter in #Thailand this morning is the hashtag to do with the miracle survival of the 12 soccer players and their coach: #13ชีวิตรอดแล้ว (The 13 have survived)🇹🇭 Also trending is the name of the cave in English and Thai: #ThamLuang #ถํ้าหลวง pic.twitter.com/Omod2CyvEW
An underwater cave rescue expert has warned it would be safest for the boys to “wait it out” and remain in the caves, potentially for weeks, until the water subsides, rather than attempt to swim out of the caves.
“It’s going to be a difficult rescue from here on,” Edd Sorenson of International Cave Rescue and Recovery, told BBC News.
He said that for a trained and skilled diver the conditions in the cave, with almost no visibility and rushing water, made swimming there “extremely dangerous”, and for someone not trained “it’s unbelievably dangerous”
“It’s extremely likely they could panic when they get in the water,” he said.
He said it would be safer to wait “days or weeks” for water levels to drop.
“As long as the kids know we know where they’re at, they have food, a way to keep warm, water or filtration systems and light, it would really be the safest to wait it out. But taking them in the water would be extremely dangerous for the kids and the coach but also for the rescuers.”
False reporting about the search for the missing boys has abounded on Thai Facebook groups and some news outlets, during the nine-day search.False reporting about the search for the missing boys has abounded on Thai Facebook groups and some news outlets, during the nine-day search.
The head of the Thai rescue mission had to deny false reports that began circulating on Facebook on the weekend that the group had been rescued on Sunday.The head of the Thai rescue mission had to deny false reports that began circulating on Facebook on the weekend that the group had been rescued on Sunday.
“On Sunday, there was false news that the 13 had already been found,” said Thai newspaper The Nation. “And because more and more people were believing it, Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn, the head of the rescue operation, had to find time to make it clear that if it were true he would be directly informing reporters and everyone at the scene.”“On Sunday, there was false news that the 13 had already been found,” said Thai newspaper The Nation. “And because more and more people were believing it, Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn, the head of the rescue operation, had to find time to make it clear that if it were true he would be directly informing reporters and everyone at the scene.”
The Nation said that as the rescue mission stretched into its second week, people were “floating alternative theories that there must be more to it than meets the eye”.The Nation said that as the rescue mission stretched into its second week, people were “floating alternative theories that there must be more to it than meets the eye”.
Among the conspiracy theories espoused by Facebook pages and media outlets was that the missing boys might have witnessed a drug-related crime and been kidnapped or that the boys had already been found but authorities were keeping this news secret.Among the conspiracy theories espoused by Facebook pages and media outlets was that the missing boys might have witnessed a drug-related crime and been kidnapped or that the boys had already been found but authorities were keeping this news secret.
“Some traditional and mainstream media, meanwhile, are also in competition to get news and reports, resulting in some false reports,” wrote the Nation. “For instance, a TV news channel reported that some volunteers had heard a knock and the sound of scratching on the cave wall when they had knocked and called out to the missing boys. But the officials rejected the story.”“Some traditional and mainstream media, meanwhile, are also in competition to get news and reports, resulting in some false reports,” wrote the Nation. “For instance, a TV news channel reported that some volunteers had heard a knock and the sound of scratching on the cave wall when they had knocked and called out to the missing boys. But the officials rejected the story.”
This story has captured international attention and is on the front page of the Tuesday editions of several British papers.This story has captured international attention and is on the front page of the Tuesday editions of several British papers.
The Guardian carries a large picture of one of the relieved relatives with the caption: “We found them safe”.The Guardian carries a large picture of one of the relieved relatives with the caption: “We found them safe”.
Tuesday’s GUARDIAN: Treasury preparing to increase fuel duty #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/aPATpBGFHcTuesday’s GUARDIAN: Treasury preparing to increase fuel duty #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/aPATpBGFHc
The Times splashes on a picture of the boys perched inside the cave, nine days after they went missing.The Times splashes on a picture of the boys perched inside the cave, nine days after they went missing.
Tuesday’s TIMES: May’s Brexit peace offer sparks Tory infighting #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/iLG1goTnl6Tuesday’s TIMES: May’s Brexit peace offer sparks Tory infighting #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/iLG1goTnl6
Dr Ricky Greenwald, founder and director of the Child Trauma Institute in Massachusets has told BBC News that the trauma suffered by the boys trapped in the cave for so long without any idea what would happen to them and without food, was akin to someone returning from a “combat experience” and that they may need psychological help in their recovery.Dr Ricky Greenwald, founder and director of the Child Trauma Institute in Massachusets has told BBC News that the trauma suffered by the boys trapped in the cave for so long without any idea what would happen to them and without food, was akin to someone returning from a “combat experience” and that they may need psychological help in their recovery.
“It’s not very different from people coming back from an intense combat experience, where it looks like the life you left, but you don’t feel normal anymore, it’s a big culture shock, I think even with good family support and community support and medical care, it’s going to be a lot for children to adjust,” said Greenwald.“It’s not very different from people coming back from an intense combat experience, where it looks like the life you left, but you don’t feel normal anymore, it’s a big culture shock, I think even with good family support and community support and medical care, it’s going to be a lot for children to adjust,” said Greenwald.
The families of the missing boys have shared photographs of the group with reporters outside the cave entrance.The families of the missing boys have shared photographs of the group with reporters outside the cave entrance.
The British Cave Rescue Council, which has sent divers to help with the rescue operation, has released a statement describing the logistical difficulties of rescuing the boys and their coach.The British Cave Rescue Council, which has sent divers to help with the rescue operation, has released a statement describing the logistical difficulties of rescuing the boys and their coach.
Vice chair of the British Cave Rescue Council, Bill Whitehouse said the rescue mission has been made more difficult because there is likely only going to be a short break in the monsoon rains and because of the small space the group are in, which makes drilling difficult.Vice chair of the British Cave Rescue Council, Bill Whitehouse said the rescue mission has been made more difficult because there is likely only going to be a short break in the monsoon rains and because of the small space the group are in, which makes drilling difficult.
Whitehouse also estimated that the boys are around 2km into the cave and somewhere between 800 m to 1km below the surface. He cautioned that diving conditions remained “very difficult”.Whitehouse also estimated that the boys are around 2km into the cave and somewhere between 800 m to 1km below the surface. He cautioned that diving conditions remained “very difficult”.
Here is Whitehouse’s full statement:Here is Whitehouse’s full statement:
Around 16:30h this afternoon, we started to receive the remarkable news that all 12 of the boys and their coach had been located in a dry air space south of the Pattaya Beach area of Tham Luang Nang Non Cave. It is estimated that they are around 200 m south of that underground landmark.Around 16:30h this afternoon, we started to receive the remarkable news that all 12 of the boys and their coach had been located in a dry air space south of the Pattaya Beach area of Tham Luang Nang Non Cave. It is estimated that they are around 200 m south of that underground landmark.
Shortly after this news, we received a direct (but short confirmation) from our British cave divers of the joyful news that the lost boys had been located alive. Video footage of the boys and their coach has now been released and shown to families waiting on the surface.Shortly after this news, we received a direct (but short confirmation) from our British cave divers of the joyful news that the lost boys had been located alive. Video footage of the boys and their coach has now been released and shown to families waiting on the surface.
Two British, volunteer cave divers found the boys at their current location, but the last 36 hours have seen a coordinated and planned approach to the rescue being led by the Thai Military and involving many other nations (including the USA, Chinese, Australians and others).Two British, volunteer cave divers found the boys at their current location, but the last 36 hours have seen a coordinated and planned approach to the rescue being led by the Thai Military and involving many other nations (including the USA, Chinese, Australians and others).
Equipment and air supplies have been ferried in to the system over the last day or so, enabling the divers to progress further in to the system than was previously possible. Diving lines have been laid to the boys’ location for other divers to follow with essential food, comforts and medical supplies.Equipment and air supplies have been ferried in to the system over the last day or so, enabling the divers to progress further in to the system than was previously possible. Diving lines have been laid to the boys’ location for other divers to follow with essential food, comforts and medical supplies.
We believe that there is only a short break in the monsoon and all feasible options for the rescue of the boys are being considered. Although water levels have dropped, the diving conditions remain difficult and any attempt to dive the boys and their coach out will not be taken lightly because there are significant technical challenges and risks to consider.We believe that there is only a short break in the monsoon and all feasible options for the rescue of the boys are being considered. Although water levels have dropped, the diving conditions remain difficult and any attempt to dive the boys and their coach out will not be taken lightly because there are significant technical challenges and risks to consider.
It is estimated that the boys are around 2 km into the cave and somewhere between 800 m to 1km below the surface. They are also located in a relatively small space and this would make any potential drilling attempt as a means of rescue very difficult.It is estimated that the boys are around 2 km into the cave and somewhere between 800 m to 1km below the surface. They are also located in a relatively small space and this would make any potential drilling attempt as a means of rescue very difficult.
Back here in the UK, there is an assessment of electronic equipment that may be suitable to pin-point the underground location of the boys and coach with a greater degree of accuracy than the published surveys. The necessary equipment will be sent to Thailand if electronic experts agree on the feasibility that it will operate over such depths.Back here in the UK, there is an assessment of electronic equipment that may be suitable to pin-point the underground location of the boys and coach with a greater degree of accuracy than the published surveys. The necessary equipment will be sent to Thailand if electronic experts agree on the feasibility that it will operate over such depths.
12 boys, aged between 11 and 16 and their football coach, who have been missing for nine days, have been found by divers12 boys, aged between 11 and 16 and their football coach, who have been missing for nine days, have been found by divers
In footage from British divers who reached the group, the boys said they were OK but hungryIn footage from British divers who reached the group, the boys said they were OK but hungry
They were found sheltering on a dry piece of ground surrounded by waterThey were found sheltering on a dry piece of ground surrounded by water
Divers who are part of the rescue operation have warned that extracting the boys from the cave network could take weeks or even monthsDivers who are part of the rescue operation have warned that extracting the boys from the cave network could take weeks or even months
None of the boys can swim or dive and rescuers have said they may have to wait several months for the water to subside so they can carry the boys to safety, or teach them how to dive, though rescue teams are still pumping water out of the cave networkNone of the boys can swim or dive and rescuers have said they may have to wait several months for the water to subside so they can carry the boys to safety, or teach them how to dive, though rescue teams are still pumping water out of the cave network
The boys have been provided with energy gels to sustain them and divers are in the caves to keep them company. There are reports that medical staff will dive into the cave system and conduct medical examinations of the group later todayThe boys have been provided with energy gels to sustain them and divers are in the caves to keep them company. There are reports that medical staff will dive into the cave system and conduct medical examinations of the group later today
There has been jubilation in Thailand at the news the boys and their coach are alive, especially among relatives who have been keeping vigil outside the entrance to the cave since the boys were reported missing on Saturday 23 JuneThere has been jubilation in Thailand at the news the boys and their coach are alive, especially among relatives who have been keeping vigil outside the entrance to the cave since the boys were reported missing on Saturday 23 June
The Thai prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, wished the group a “safe and speedy recover” and thanked the rescuers, including the foreign teams who have flocked from Australia, Japan, the US and Britain to help with the searchThe Thai prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, wished the group a “safe and speedy recover” and thanked the rescuers, including the foreign teams who have flocked from Australia, Japan, the US and Britain to help with the search
There has been a round-the-clock rescue effort to try to find the group, but rescuers were stymied again and again by muddy water rising to the ceiling of the chamber, forcing them to withdraw for safety reasonsThere has been a round-the-clock rescue effort to try to find the group, but rescuers were stymied again and again by muddy water rising to the ceiling of the chamber, forcing them to withdraw for safety reasons
The boys are members of Moo Pa academy and are believed to have crawled into the 10km Tham Luang cave network in Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand, before monsoon rains flooded the caves, trapping them inside and blocking rescuers’ attempts to get to themThe boys are members of Moo Pa academy and are believed to have crawled into the 10km Tham Luang cave network in Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand, before monsoon rains flooded the caves, trapping them inside and blocking rescuers’ attempts to get to them
The team had cycled to the cave with their coach after football practice on 23 June. Their shoes and bicycles were found at the entrance to the caveThe team had cycled to the cave with their coach after football practice on 23 June. Their shoes and bicycles were found at the entrance to the cave
Locals have been carrying scuba gear and pipes up to the rescue site all week – the grey pipes are to pump water out of the caves, the orange ones to pump in oxygen.Locals have been carrying scuba gear and pipes up to the rescue site all week – the grey pipes are to pump water out of the caves, the orange ones to pump in oxygen.
Rescuers have been pumping water out of caves for days in the hope that they may be able to reduce the water level sufficiently to allow the children – none of whom can swim or dive – to be carried to safety.Rescuers have been pumping water out of caves for days in the hope that they may be able to reduce the water level sufficiently to allow the children – none of whom can swim or dive – to be carried to safety.
But CNN reports that if this doesn’t work there is talk of teaching the boys how to dive, so they can reach safety that way. But that plan would obviously take a lot longer.But CNN reports that if this doesn’t work there is talk of teaching the boys how to dive, so they can reach safety that way. But that plan would obviously take a lot longer.
The boys have been provided with energy gel to eat and people have been sent to keep them company while the “logistical plan” is worked out, the Thai navy SEAL unit said on its official Facebook page.The boys have been provided with energy gel to eat and people have been sent to keep them company while the “logistical plan” is worked out, the Thai navy SEAL unit said on its official Facebook page.
“Power gel and sustenance equipment has been brought ... to the team ... and we’ve sent people to keep them company until the transport plan can begin,” said the post.“Power gel and sustenance equipment has been brought ... to the team ... and we’ve sent people to keep them company until the transport plan can begin,” said the post.
The Navy SEALs were jubilant in tone, writing on Facebook, in English “Hooyah” at the end of the post, but warned “our mission is not over”.The Navy SEALs were jubilant in tone, writing on Facebook, in English “Hooyah” at the end of the post, but warned “our mission is not over”.
This is Kate Lyons taking over from Mattha Busby.This is Kate Lyons taking over from Mattha Busby.
There has been jubilation at the news the boys have been found safe. But it may be weeks, or even months, until the boys are brought out of the cave, warned one diver involved in the rescue mission.There has been jubilation at the news the boys have been found safe. But it may be weeks, or even months, until the boys are brought out of the cave, warned one diver involved in the rescue mission.
The diver who spoke to BBC Newsnight said it could be weeks until the water subsides enough for the rescue to be completed and that none of the children can swim or dive, which will slow rescue plans.The diver who spoke to BBC Newsnight said it could be weeks until the water subsides enough for the rescue to be completed and that none of the children can swim or dive, which will slow rescue plans.
So there’s two volunteer Navy Seal doctors that actually sacrificed themselves to stay with the kids up to three, four months until the water subsides. Now the real hard work begins to get these kids out. None of them can swim or dive so that’s going to be a real challenge.So there’s two volunteer Navy Seal doctors that actually sacrificed themselves to stay with the kids up to three, four months until the water subsides. Now the real hard work begins to get these kids out. None of them can swim or dive so that’s going to be a real challenge.
Ben Reymenants, a Dutch rescuer who is part of the international team which is assisting the Thai authorities, has told BBC Newsnight that it was a “miracle” that the boys were still alive.Ben Reymenants, a Dutch rescuer who is part of the international team which is assisting the Thai authorities, has told BBC Newsnight that it was a “miracle” that the boys were still alive.
Miraculously they found the kids and they all seemed to be in good mental health,” he said in an interview with Emily Maitlis.Miraculously they found the kids and they all seemed to be in good mental health,” he said in an interview with Emily Maitlis.
Obviously very weak but they’re all alive and they’ve been sitting on a piece of rock in a dry room for about ten days so that is a miracle.Obviously very weak but they’re all alive and they’ve been sitting on a piece of rock in a dry room for about ten days so that is a miracle.
He said that its quite warm in the cave, at a temperature of around 26 degrees, and water is dripping from the walls.He said that its quite warm in the cave, at a temperature of around 26 degrees, and water is dripping from the walls.
This meant that, luckily, the children were unlikely to have experienced dehydration and hyperthermia.This meant that, luckily, the children were unlikely to have experienced dehydration and hyperthermia.
“They are 2.3 kilometres inside a very complex cave system,” says diving instructor Ben Reymenants, adding that time is not on the rescuers’ side as heavy rain is expected in the next few days #newsnight pic.twitter.com/xbFmHpSDPx“They are 2.3 kilometres inside a very complex cave system,” says diving instructor Ben Reymenants, adding that time is not on the rescuers’ side as heavy rain is expected in the next few days #newsnight pic.twitter.com/xbFmHpSDPx
Kids usually can survive quite long without food so they’re obviously very skinny and there’s some muscle atrophy,” he explained.Kids usually can survive quite long without food so they’re obviously very skinny and there’s some muscle atrophy,” he explained.
Now, as we speak, there are two Navy SEAL medics went to them with food and medication to get them back to strength and then a plan will be decided to extract them from the cave because at the end of the day they are 2.3km inside a very complex cave system.Now, as we speak, there are two Navy SEAL medics went to them with food and medication to get them back to strength and then a plan will be decided to extract them from the cave because at the end of the day they are 2.3km inside a very complex cave system.
The issue is that time is not really on our side because they’re expecting heavy rains within three days and the cave system [could] just flood, making access impossible for the kids.The issue is that time is not really on our side because they’re expecting heavy rains within three days and the cave system [could] just flood, making access impossible for the kids.
According to a Thai army chief, the heroic British team who helped to spearhead the search for the young footballers went straight from the plane, after they arrived in the country, into the cave to assess the situation.According to a Thai army chief, the heroic British team who helped to spearhead the search for the young footballers went straight from the plane, after they arrived in the country, into the cave to assess the situation.
When they were asked about the task at hand as they walked to the cave, John Volanthen told the BBC: “We’ve got a job to do.”When they were asked about the task at hand as they walked to the cave, John Volanthen told the BBC: “We’ve got a job to do.”
Heroes: Richard William Stanton, Robert Charles Harpe and John Volanthen#ThailandCave Rescue pic.twitter.com/z2X3wonH4DHeroes: Richard William Stanton, Robert Charles Harpe and John Volanthen#ThailandCave Rescue pic.twitter.com/z2X3wonH4D
In 2010, Volanthen and Stanton were among a team that set a new world-record after diving 5.5 miles into the unexplored Pozo Azul cave system in Spain.In 2010, Volanthen and Stanton were among a team that set a new world-record after diving 5.5 miles into the unexplored Pozo Azul cave system in Spain.
In an interview with the Sunday Times magazine in 2013, Volanthen, an IT consultant from Bristol, said he began caving as a scout.In an interview with the Sunday Times magazine in 2013, Volanthen, an IT consultant from Bristol, said he began caving as a scout.
“I enjoy the logistical challenge,” he said. “Getting us and all our kit to the end of such a long cave… it’s like that puzzle with the fox, the chicken and the grain. It’s not dangerous if you do it right. There are just a large number of little things that you have to be on top of at all times.”“I enjoy the logistical challenge,” he said. “Getting us and all our kit to the end of such a long cave… it’s like that puzzle with the fox, the chicken and the grain. It’s not dangerous if you do it right. There are just a large number of little things that you have to be on top of at all times.”