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Thailand cave rescue: boys may spend months trapped underground, rescuers warn – live Thailand cave rescue: boys may spend months trapped underground, rescuers warn – live
(35 minutes later)
BBC News are reporting that four divers are currently approaching the boys to give them energy gels and first aid, saying that two in the group have “minor injuries”.
Their initial aim is to secure the area where the football team and their coach were found, which is a mud bank, roughly two metres above the water level, five kilometres into the 10km network of caves.
Divers will also be bringing the boys food supplies to last four months, in case they need to remain in the cave until the end of the monsoon season, as well as other supplies, like light sources and medication.
As we have already reported, the current plan is to wait until conditions have improved and the water level has dropped before attempting to move the group. In the meantime, divers will teach the boys how to use scuba gear.
The BBC also reported that efforts to pump water out of the cave network had continued and they were successfully removing 10,000 litres every hour, resulting in water levels in the cave network dropping by one centimetre an hour. However, heavy rains are meant to return to the area tomorrow.
The search in pictures. Click here to see the full gallery.
Thai people are sending thanks to the international community for assisting with the search for the missing boys and their coach.Thai people are sending thanks to the international community for assisting with the search for the missing boys and their coach.
In particular, many people are singling out Rick Stanton and John Volanthen, the British divers believed to be the first to make contact with the boys.In particular, many people are singling out Rick Stanton and John Volanthen, the British divers believed to be the first to make contact with the boys.
Thai blogger Kaewmala wrote “Thais are especially grateful to these British cave divers”, above pictures of Stanton and Volanthen and others posted pictures of the men and links to profiles of the men.Thai blogger Kaewmala wrote “Thais are especially grateful to these British cave divers”, above pictures of Stanton and Volanthen and others posted pictures of the men and links to profiles of the men.
Thais are especially grateful to these British cave divers who, together with Thai Navy Seals, had first contact with the boys.Of course, many more play a part in this remarkable international search and rescue operation. And we are thankful to all involved. #ThamLuangRescue https://t.co/kFAnubXm2wThais are especially grateful to these British cave divers who, together with Thai Navy Seals, had first contact with the boys.Of course, many more play a part in this remarkable international search and rescue operation. And we are thankful to all involved. #ThamLuangRescue https://t.co/kFAnubXm2w
Great Job : คุณ เวิร์น อันเสวิร์ธ นักสำรวจถ้ำชาวอังกฤษ ยินดีที่ได้พบทีมหมูป่า Richard williams Stanton และ john Volanthen ซึ่งเป็นชุดล่วงหน้าร่วมกับหน่วยซีลไปพบทีมหมูป่า ยังไม่ให้สัมภาษณ์ใดๆ มีการให้ข้อมูลกับทีมซีลอเมริกันถึงจุดที่พบเด็กบริเวณเนินนมสาว pic.twitter.com/QK5jHVAoLcGreat Job : คุณ เวิร์น อันเสวิร์ธ นักสำรวจถ้ำชาวอังกฤษ ยินดีที่ได้พบทีมหมูป่า Richard williams Stanton และ john Volanthen ซึ่งเป็นชุดล่วงหน้าร่วมกับหน่วยซีลไปพบทีมหมูป่า ยังไม่ให้สัมภาษณ์ใดๆ มีการให้ข้อมูลกับทีมซีลอเมริกันถึงจุดที่พบเด็กบริเวณเนินนมสาว pic.twitter.com/QK5jHVAoLc
For more about the British divers, Eleanor Ainge Roy has this report.For more about the British divers, Eleanor Ainge Roy has this report.
German press agency DPA are reporting that officials are installing phone cables in the cave so parents can talk with their children, whom they have not seen in nine days. But that the governor has confirmed the children will definitely not be brought out of the cave today.German press agency DPA are reporting that officials are installing phone cables in the cave so parents can talk with their children, whom they have not seen in nine days. But that the governor has confirmed the children will definitely not be brought out of the cave today.
Latest update: #Thailand officials are installing phone cables in the cave so the parents can talk to their kids today. But they’re not gonn be brought out today for sure, according to the governor. #Thailandcave #ThaiCaveRescue #ThamLuang #Thamlaung #ถ้ำหลวง #ทีมหมูป่าLatest update: #Thailand officials are installing phone cables in the cave so the parents can talk to their kids today. But they’re not gonn be brought out today for sure, according to the governor. #Thailandcave #ThaiCaveRescue #ThamLuang #Thamlaung #ถ้ำหลวง #ทีมหมูป่า
The military are sending in food provisions to last the boys and their football coach more than four months, as well as medication.The military are sending in food provisions to last the boys and their football coach more than four months, as well as medication.
Various options are being explored including teaching the boys – none of whom know how to swim – to dive or waiting for the water to subside, which could take months.Various options are being explored including teaching the boys – none of whom know how to swim – to dive or waiting for the water to subside, which could take months.
The Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters they were looking at all options, but “I don’t think they will be home soon.”The Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters they were looking at all options, but “I don’t think they will be home soon.”
A medical team has been sent in to assess the health of the trapped boys and their coach and reported back that they are all in good health or having only “light” injuries.A medical team has been sent in to assess the health of the trapped boys and their coach and reported back that they are all in good health or having only “light” injuries.
Cave rescue experts have warned that any attempts to remove the boys while waters remain high could be “unbelievably dangerous” for the boys and their rescuers, given the conditions.Cave rescue experts have warned that any attempts to remove the boys while waters remain high could be “unbelievably dangerous” for the boys and their rescuers, given the conditions.
News that the group has been found safe has been met with jubilation across Thailand, where news of the search is trending on Twitter.News that the group has been found safe has been met with jubilation across Thailand, where news of the search is trending on Twitter.
The young football team, made up of 12 boys aged between 11 and 16, and their coach went missing on Saturday 23 June, after monsoon rains trapped them inside the Tham Luang cave network.The young football team, made up of 12 boys aged between 11 and 16, and their coach went missing on Saturday 23 June, after monsoon rains trapped them inside the Tham Luang cave network.
They were found on Monday night after a nine-day round-the-clock search involving international teams of divers.They were found on Monday night after a nine-day round-the-clock search involving international teams of divers.
Footage of the group, shot by the British divers who reached them first, showed the boys and their coach huddled on a ledge surrounded by water. They said they were hungry and asked what day it was and if they could leave.Footage of the group, shot by the British divers who reached them first, showed the boys and their coach huddled on a ledge surrounded by water. They said they were hungry and asked what day it was and if they could leave.
Medical teams have managed to reach the group and assess their health. The teams were able to dive to where the boys and their coach are trapped, kilometres from the cave’s entrance.Medical teams have managed to reach the group and assess their health. The teams were able to dive to where the boys and their coach are trapped, kilometres from the cave’s entrance.
“We categorized their health condition as red, yellow or green, red being the most severe injuries, yellow being mild and green being light. Yesterday, unofficially, we assessed that most are in the green category,” said Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn.“We categorized their health condition as red, yellow or green, red being the most severe injuries, yellow being mild and green being light. Yesterday, unofficially, we assessed that most are in the green category,” said Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn.
Medical teams will continue to monitor the boys’ health while they are trapped inside the cave network.Medical teams will continue to monitor the boys’ health while they are trapped inside the cave network.
Narongsak said rescue workers would now focus on the “rescue” phase and now have to decide how best to get the group out in their weakened condition.Narongsak said rescue workers would now focus on the “rescue” phase and now have to decide how best to get the group out in their weakened condition.
Options considered included waiting until water levels subsided, or teaching the group to use diving gear to navigate the flooded cave.Options considered included waiting until water levels subsided, or teaching the group to use diving gear to navigate the flooded cave.
“If you ask me now while we are still assessing all sides then I don’t think they will be home soon,” said Narongsak.“If you ask me now while we are still assessing all sides then I don’t think they will be home soon,” said Narongsak.
Channel News Asia reports that the Thai prime minister has held a telephone conference with the rescuers at the cave, expressing his happiness that they have found the boys.Channel News Asia reports that the Thai prime minister has held a telephone conference with the rescuers at the cave, expressing his happiness that they have found the boys.
Meanwhile in Bangkok, Thai PM Prayuth held a teleconference with the rescue operations in Chiang Rai, expressing his happiness about the breakthrough at #ThamLuang cave. https://t.co/k0mE2URaLqMeanwhile in Bangkok, Thai PM Prayuth held a teleconference with the rescue operations in Chiang Rai, expressing his happiness about the breakthrough at #ThamLuang cave. https://t.co/k0mE2URaLq
Two volunteer British cave divers who were the first to locate 12 Thai teenagers missing for nine days are world-leaders in cave rescue, and have frequently worked together on major search and rescue operations around the globe.Two volunteer British cave divers who were the first to locate 12 Thai teenagers missing for nine days are world-leaders in cave rescue, and have frequently worked together on major search and rescue operations around the globe.
Rick Stanton, aged in his mid fifties, is a firefighter who hails from Coventry and is regarded as one of Britain’s foremost cave divers, with more than 35 years experience.Rick Stanton, aged in his mid fifties, is a firefighter who hails from Coventry and is regarded as one of Britain’s foremost cave divers, with more than 35 years experience.
Stanton was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to cave diving, and is often described as the face of British cave diving, and the best cave diver in Europe.Stanton was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to cave diving, and is often described as the face of British cave diving, and the best cave diver in Europe.
John Volanthen, who brushed off reporters when entering the cave six days ago, saying only “We’ve got a job to do,” started out as a dry caver who has helped pioneer new equipment that allows cave divers to stay underwater for longer and at greater depths.John Volanthen, who brushed off reporters when entering the cave six days ago, saying only “We’ve got a job to do,” started out as a dry caver who has helped pioneer new equipment that allows cave divers to stay underwater for longer and at greater depths.
Volanthen is a computer engineer who runs marathons in his spare time and lives in Bristol.Volanthen is a computer engineer who runs marathons in his spare time and lives in Bristol.
In 2010, the pair attempted the rescue of accomplished French diver Eric Establie, who was trapped by a silt avalanche inside the Ardeche Gorge, near Marseille.In 2010, the pair attempted the rescue of accomplished French diver Eric Establie, who was trapped by a silt avalanche inside the Ardeche Gorge, near Marseille.
It is believed the French government requested Stanton and Volanthen by name. The duo received medals from the Royal Humane Society for their eight-day effort to save Establie, whose body they recovered from the cave.It is believed the French government requested Stanton and Volanthen by name. The duo received medals from the Royal Humane Society for their eight-day effort to save Establie, whose body they recovered from the cave.
The trapped group of 12 boys and their football coach will be supplied with four months’ worth of food and get diving training, the military said, as focus shifted to the tricky task of evacuating the group from the complex underground system.The trapped group of 12 boys and their football coach will be supplied with four months’ worth of food and get diving training, the military said, as focus shifted to the tricky task of evacuating the group from the complex underground system.
The boys aged between 11 and 16, were discovered with their 25-year-old coach late Monday, huddled on a ledge deep inside a flooded cave nine days after they became trapped in a pitch black cave hemmed by rising floodwaters.The boys aged between 11 and 16, were discovered with their 25-year-old coach late Monday, huddled on a ledge deep inside a flooded cave nine days after they became trapped in a pitch black cave hemmed by rising floodwaters.
Much-needed food and medical supplies – including high-calorie gels and paracetamol – reached them Tuesday as rescuers prepared for the possibility that they may be there for some time.Much-needed food and medical supplies – including high-calorie gels and paracetamol – reached them Tuesday as rescuers prepared for the possibility that they may be there for some time.
“[We will] prepare to send additional food to be sustained for at least four months and train all 13 to dive while continuing to drain the water,” Navy Captain Anand Surawan said, according to a statement from Thailand’s Armed Forces.“[We will] prepare to send additional food to be sustained for at least four months and train all 13 to dive while continuing to drain the water,” Navy Captain Anand Surawan said, according to a statement from Thailand’s Armed Forces.
The miracle rescue sparked jubilation across the country after a gruelling operation beset by heavy downpours and fast-moving flooding floods.The miracle rescue sparked jubilation across the country after a gruelling operation beset by heavy downpours and fast-moving flooding floods.
“We called this mission impossible because it rained every day... but with our determination and equipment we fought nature,” Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn said Tuesday.“We called this mission impossible because it rained every day... but with our determination and equipment we fought nature,” Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn said Tuesday.
“The doctor advised that we should provide several kinds of medicine to prevent infection and other illness,” adding that medics had reached the young footballers.“The doctor advised that we should provide several kinds of medicine to prevent infection and other illness,” adding that medics had reached the young footballers.
The boys were found late Monday by British divers, with footage showing them huddled on a mud mound deep inside the cave.The boys were found late Monday by British divers, with footage showing them huddled on a mud mound deep inside the cave.
An Australian cave diving expert says the operation to save 12 boys and a football coach trapped in a Thai cave is likely to take months.An Australian cave diving expert says the operation to save 12 boys and a football coach trapped in a Thai cave is likely to take months.
Peter Wolf, the national director of the Cave Divers Association of Australia, said getting the group out any sooner was not viable given the boys could not swim.Peter Wolf, the national director of the Cave Divers Association of Australia, said getting the group out any sooner was not viable given the boys could not swim.
“The best option is to leave them where they are and stabilise their environment to make sure the core ingredients are met. Given the environment is pretty wet, to keep them warm and dry, provide them with clean drinking water, food, and clean air,” Wolf said.“The best option is to leave them where they are and stabilise their environment to make sure the core ingredients are met. Given the environment is pretty wet, to keep them warm and dry, provide them with clean drinking water, food, and clean air,” Wolf said.
“Depending on the size of the chamber they’re in, the clean air is a concern as well.”“Depending on the size of the chamber they’re in, the clean air is a concern as well.”
With the rescuers, doctors and other staff likely to enter the cave, rescuers could open scuba tanks to ensure they had all enough oxygen.With the rescuers, doctors and other staff likely to enter the cave, rescuers could open scuba tanks to ensure they had all enough oxygen.
“It will create air pressure and the carbon dioxide will filter out through the rock,” Wolf said.“It will create air pressure and the carbon dioxide will filter out through the rock,” Wolf said.
The rescuers, which include expert teams from the UK, Australia, China, were facing a logistical “nightmare”.The rescuers, which include expert teams from the UK, Australia, China, were facing a logistical “nightmare”.
“The length of the cave and the conditions that they’re actually diving in means there are probably very few people on the planet who can actually get those provisions to them,” Wolf said.“The length of the cave and the conditions that they’re actually diving in means there are probably very few people on the planet who can actually get those provisions to them,” Wolf said.
“But the cave divers they’ve got over there are some of the most experienced in the world, especially when it comes to search and rescue operations.”“But the cave divers they’ve got over there are some of the most experienced in the world, especially when it comes to search and rescue operations.”
“The visibility is likely to be very close to zero which means they’ll be able to see a little bit but they’ll be feeling their way along. And we’re talking about lengths of kilometres.“The visibility is likely to be very close to zero which means they’ll be able to see a little bit but they’ll be feeling their way along. And we’re talking about lengths of kilometres.
“So they’ll be laying guideline to get to where they are going and to find their way out. It takes a lot of training and experience to be comfortable in that environment. It’s pitch black, except for the lights you bring yourself.”“So they’ll be laying guideline to get to where they are going and to find their way out. It takes a lot of training and experience to be comfortable in that environment. It’s pitch black, except for the lights you bring yourself.”
Wolf, who has 10 years of experience as a cave diver, said the only similar successful rescue operation he knew of took place when 12 experienced cave divers were saved from the flooded Pannikin Plains cave, in Australia, in the 1980s.Wolf, who has 10 years of experience as a cave diver, said the only similar successful rescue operation he knew of took place when 12 experienced cave divers were saved from the flooded Pannikin Plains cave, in Australia, in the 1980s.
The front pages of the English language Thai newspapers don’t have the news of the rescue on them, as they went to press before divers made contact with the boys.The front pages of the English language Thai newspapers don’t have the news of the rescue on them, as they went to press before divers made contact with the boys.
The Bangkok Post focuses on the international nature of the rescue mission, whereas the Nation has news that the divers were approaching Pattaya Beach, where rescuers hoped the boys were sheltering.The Bangkok Post focuses on the international nature of the rescue mission, whereas the Nation has news that the divers were approaching Pattaya Beach, where rescuers hoped the boys were sheltering.
News that the boys and their coach have been found is trending on Twitter today.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 #ถํ้าหลวงIn 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/Omod2CyvEWTrending 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.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.“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”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.“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.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.”“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.”