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Thailand cave rescue: appeal for small full-face masks – live updates
Thailand cave rescue: medics reach boys – live updates
(about 1 hour later)
Thai navy SEALs say all 13 people trapped in the cave are being looked after by medics who have reached them, AP reports.
Seal commander Rear Adm Arpakorn Yookongkaew said that seven members of his unit including a doctor and a nurse are now with the 12 boys and their coach in the cave where they took shelter.
He told a news conference that his team members “have given the boys food, starting from easily digested and high-powered food with enough minerals.”
He said that having the rescued people dive out of the cave was one of several options being considered. If it were employed, he said they “have to be certain that it will work and have to have a drill to make that it’s 100% safe.”
He said there was no rush to bring them out as they are safe where they are.
Richard Tomlinson, a trained cave diver who has just returned from trip diving caves in Southern Thailand, emails to point out that a diver cannot even start a cave training course unless certified to rescue-diver level and with 50 dives experience.
The diver also needs to know how to dive using gear that is adapted to cave diving.
The full training course takes about eight days and about 14 dives.
One of the most difficult skills to master is line laying - it sounds easy but is not as you can end up tangled in the line, especially in tight passages.
The two lead divers would have had a very hard time laying the initial exploration line working up current and in, I would imagine, very poor visibility.
People have asked how the boys survived for so long Some caves have very large fresh water snails in them, about the size of a fist and deep blue colour. There are also small shrimps - mostly you notice them when they try to nibble your ankles!
Who are the boys and their coach?
The team is called the Moo Pa Academy, or the Wild Boars, and the boys are aged between 11 and 16. Their coach is 25. Here’s what we know about them:
Ekkapol Chantawong, 25
The coach’s nickname is Aek. His aunt, Kham Chantawong, told the Guardian’s correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen, that he’d visited the caves in the past.
“He took very good care of the kids,” she said, her face pale and pained. “They all got on very well together. The children never fought or even cursed at each other.”
The son of another player who skipped the cave trip, Noppadon Kanthawong, told AP he was “very dedicated”.
“He would be there at the field waiting for kids to show up after school. It is a great way to keep healthy, away from screens and have friends. I can tell that they are very close to each other.”
Duangphet Promthep, 12
Kham Phromthep, whose 12-year-old son, Duangpetch Phromthep, was among the boys trapped in the cave, said he was ecstatic when he saw his son in the video, according to the New York Times.
Somphong Jaiwong, 13
Like many in the team his wish is to play professional football.
“Pong is a cheerful boy, he likes football, and every sport. He dreams of becoming a footballer for the Thai national team,” the teenager’s teacher Manutsanun Kuntun told AFP, using his nickname.
“Our class is still confident he will be OK,” she said.
Mongkol Boonpium, 13
Thinnakorn Boonpiem told AFP his son is a “good boy” who loves to study – almost as much as football.
He joined the local team a year ago and on the day he went missing had gone to practice as usual. He didn’t tell his dad he planned to go trekking in the cave, and his family started to worry when he never came home.
“Since then I’ve been here in front of the cave,” the grim-faced father of two said.
The other team members are: Chanin Wiboonroongrueng, 11; Phornchid Kamluang, 16, Prachuck Sutham, 14; Peerapat Sompiengjai, 16; Ekkarat Wongsookchan, 14; Panumart Saengdee, age unknown; Pipat Phothai, 15; Nattawoot Thakamsai, 14; and Adul Samon, 14.
Rescuers have told broadcasters that a first meal of pork and rice is being prepared for the boys. They boys are often referred to as the Wild Boars - the name of their football team they all belong to.
Rescuers have told broadcasters that a first meal of pork and rice is being prepared for the boys. They boys are often referred to as the Wild Boars - the name of their football team they all belong to.
The rescuers appear to be signalling that sealed portions of the dish will be taken to the trapped boys.
The rescuers appear to be signalling that sealed portions of the dish will be taken to the trapped boys.
The Thai navy Seals, who are leading the rescue efforts, said the boys will be rescued when they regained enough strength.
The Thai navy Seals, who are leading the rescue efforts, said the boys will be rescued when they regained enough strength.
Here’s an image of the kind of full face mask the rescuers need for the boys. They put out an appeal for 15 small and extra small masks of this type. These are considered safer than conventional masks for novice divers, as there is less risk of breathing apparatus getting detached. It has been reported that the boys cannot swim.
Here’s an image of the kind of full face mask the rescuers need for the boys. They put out an appeal for 15 small and extra small masks of this type. These are considered safer than conventional masks for novice divers, as there is less risk of breathing apparatus getting detached. It has been reported that the boys cannot swim.
The stranded children and their coach will be rescued when they are sufficiently strong, according to the latest Facebook update from the Thai navy Seals.
The stranded children and their coach will be rescued when they are sufficiently strong, according to the latest Facebook update from the Thai navy Seals.
The Seals are coming up with a plan together with the international team of rescuers, the update says, according to a translation by reader Mervyn Lee.
The Seals are coming up with a plan together with the international team of rescuers, the update says, according to a translation by reader Mervyn Lee.
The update adds that an underground headquarters has been set up stocked with dive gear, oxygen tanks, medical supplies, and food, which will all be sent to the boys and their coach.
The update adds that an underground headquarters has been set up stocked with dive gear, oxygen tanks, medical supplies, and food, which will all be sent to the boys and their coach.
It says they are trying to bring everyone out so that doctors check their health immediately.
It says they are trying to bring everyone out so that doctors check their health immediately.
Divers have been in touch to point out that a full mask would be safer for the boys because it is more firmly secured, than a normal regulator which the wearer bites down on.
Divers have been in touch to point out that a full mask would be safer for the boys because it is more firmly secured, than a normal regulator which the wearer bites down on.
The boys would lack the training to recover a regulator, if it was knocked out in a current or collision, says Oliver Smiddy.
The boys would lack the training to recover a regulator, if it was knocked out in a current or collision, says Oliver Smiddy.
Denis adds:
Denis adds:
Even for an experienced diver it is very easy to turn and to knock the mouthpiece out of the mouth – and for a novice who can’t even swim and has no experience in caving or diving it is likely cause panic. This is something that experienced cave divers practiced many times in pools. It is not something to try for the first time in a cave situation.
Even for an experienced diver it is very easy to turn and to knock the mouthpiece out of the mouth – and for a novice who can’t even swim and has no experience in caving or diving it is likely cause panic. This is something that experienced cave divers practiced many times in pools. It is not something to try for the first time in a cave situation.
A full face mask prevents, or minimises, the possibility of a regulator becoming dislodged – and is a far safer option for a novice.
A full face mask prevents, or minimises, the possibility of a regulator becoming dislodged – and is a far safer option for a novice.
If the second stage hose is long enough the diver behind can carry the child’s tank. A diver in front could go even backwards – maintaining face to face visual contact with the child.
If the second stage hose is long enough the diver behind can carry the child’s tank. A diver in front could go even backwards – maintaining face to face visual contact with the child.
Sky News reports that Thai police are considering whether to prosecute the coach for leading the 12 boys into the cave.
Sky News reports that Thai police are considering whether to prosecute the coach for leading the 12 boys into the cave.
But for now the focus is on getting the boys and their coach to safety.
But for now the focus is on getting the boys and their coach to safety.
Police in Thailand say they will look into whether the 25-year-old coach of a youth football team could face legal action for leading them into a cave complex where they were stranded for 10 days
Police in Thailand say they will look into whether the 25-year-old coach of a youth football team could face legal action for leading them into a cave complex where they were stranded for 10 days
The US embassy in Thailand said the US is doing what it can to support the rescue efforts.
In a statement, the US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn T Davies, said:
“The American people join Thais in celebrating the discovery of the football team and their coach in Tham Luang cave. We will continue to support Thai authorities in their efforts to safely bring home the players and their coach.”
Thai readers have emailed to confirm that rescuers are looking for donations of small and extra small face mask (see the earlier).
Two Charusorn quotes the rescuer telling reporters: “The SEAL team would like to ask for donations in order to acquire 15 small or extra small masks, due to the fact the Size M they have will not be able to fit their faces/frames.”
Mervyn Lee quotes the gist of what he says: “Why they want the full face masks isbecause of it being safer than the black mouth piece that he holds up. If they can get the masks, they will have the kids try them on to see if they fit. The mouth piece is dangerous, he adds without explaining why. The purpose of the masks is because it is the safest of the breathing apparatus available.”
Thanks to Rob, K+, and Mim Kattinanon who also sent translations.
Thailand’s interior minister, Anupong Paojinda, has suggested the rescue attempt will made over the next day or so, before a fresh downpour of monsoon rain.
The Bangkok Post quoted him saying: “As rain is forecast in the next few days, the evacuation must speed up. Diving gear will be used. If the water rises, the task will be difficult. We must bring the kids out before then.”
He added: “Diving is not easy. Those who have never done it will find it difficult, because there are narrow passages in the cave. They must be able to use diving gear. If the gear is lost at any moment, it can be dangerous to life.”
Rescuers have asked for the donation of 15 small full face masks, according to the Thai News of MCOT. This will fuel speculation that rescuers are preparing to guide the boys through the water in full diving gear.
Rescuers ask for donation of 15 small-sized full face masks for the boys in the cave. #TNAMCOTEnglish @TNAMCOT
Judging by a Microsoft translation of this Twitter update, rescuers told reporters that the medium sized masks that they do have available were too big for the boys. If there are any Thai speakers reading this please email a translation to matthew.weaver@theguardian.com.
13.55 น.อังคาร 3 ก.ค.พบ 13 นักเตะแล้ว รอออกจากถ้ำ.ซีลประสานร่วมกตัญญูต้องการfull face mask ไซส์ S , XS จำนวน 15 ตัวสำหรับให้น้องๆใส่ออกมา เนื่องจากที่มีอยู่ตอนนี้เป็นไซส์ M ไม่พอดีหน้า.#WorkpoinNews #ถ้ำหลวง #ThamLuang pic.twitter.com/bKkowx5aj5
Here’s a graphic showing the location of the trapped boys and their coach.
Bill Whitehouse, vice-chair of the British Cave Rescue Council which is helping the rescue efforts, played down speculation the boys could be taught to dive.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he suggested they could be guided through the water in “packages”.
Asked how feasible it would be to teach the children to dive, he said: “It is certainly not easy. The other alternative is that you literally bring them out in packages. In other words you fit them with diving equipment: a full face mask, instead of having a gag in your mouth like a lot of divers use; package them up; put the correct weights on them so that they are neutrally bouyant and are not going to get stuck again. It has been done before.”
He also explained how the British divers reached the trapped group.
They were diving upstream in the system so they were having to swim against the current, or pull themselves along the walls. Some of the cave is fairly constricted and other points aren’t. I gather the actual diving section was about 1.5km, about half of which was completely flooded and about half of which was open.
They estimated that a round trip to where the party was and back again is probably about three hours.
Whitehouse was sceptical about the prospects of pumping enough water out of the cave to allow the boys to walk to safety. He said: “They are trying to do that with pumping, but pumping a monsoon away is not that easy.”
Whitehouse described the British divers leading the mission as the “A Team”. He added: “They have been at the spearhead of making their way through, because they have the skills and the expertise to do it. One of the first things they had to do was lay a guideline so that they could get out again and so others could follow along.”
AFP has an Q&A on the next steps:
Could they dive out?
In theory yes: but it is an extremely difficult task. Cave diving is already very risky, especially for young boys in a weakened state who have no diving experience.
Tham Luang cave where the boys have been trapped is one of Thailand’s longest at 10km (6 miles) and one of the hardest to navigate with its winding and at times narrow corridors.
If they dive, they have no choice but to follow the steps that rescuers took though tiny passageways clogged with mud and silt. That journey takes a healthy - and skilled - Navy SEAL diver about six hours.
Officials said they would attempt to train the boys to use crucial diving gear after they are rehabilitated with food, water and medical support.
“Cave diving is a very technical skill and it’s extremely dangerous, especially for an untrained diver,” Anmar Mirza, coordinator of the US National Cave Rescue Commission. “So they may end up being better off trying to supply them in cave until they can be gotten out by other means.”
Could they be dug out?
Explorers have spent days scouring the mountain top for possible alternative openings. They have found a few “promising” leads and have tried to drill deeper.
But there is no indication that any of those chimneys connect to the chamber where the boys have been stranded.
Again, the boys need to spend time getting stronger in the depths of the cave before they can attempt to climb up a second entry - if one is found - or be lifted out.
What about walking out?
This would be the safest option, but at the moment it is impossible because parts of the route remain flooded.
So in theory they could wait, but that means hoping that flood waters subside.
Water pumps are working around the clock to drain the floods though it has been an uphill battle for much of the week as heavy rains refused to let up.
If the current break in bad weather sticks, this option could be more promising.
But weather forecasters warn downpours may soon return as monsoon season sets in.
“If the rain fills up the cave system then that might take months before the water drops again,” Belgian diver Ben Reymenants, owner of Blue Label Diving in Thailand who is assisting the search, told AFP.
How long could it take?
It depends how long it takes for them to regain strength.
Experts say they could remain inside for weeks - or even months - as rescuers work out the safest option for their extraction.
The military said Tuesday it was preparing enough food for four months but did not speculate they could be in there that long.
Are the boys in the right mindset to move?
They clearly want to leave. In footage that emerged after the boys were found by two British divers late Monday one asks to “go outside.”
One of the diver replies “I know, I understand... no, not today.”
Even if they are physically fit enough to dive, they will need the mental prowess to stay calm in the murky waters and claustrophobic passageways that stand between them and freedom.
“They’re mentally stable which is actually pretty good,” Reymenants said.
“Luckily the coach had the sanity of mind to keep them all together, huddled together to conserve their energy, that basically saved them.”
Bill Whitehouse, vice chairman of the British Cave Rescue Council, said the UK divers described the journey to the chamber as a “gnarly dive”.
“The description in (the) email was it was ‘a bit of a gnarly dive’, which means there was a bit of complications and problems,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“(There was) quite a strong current, so they were having to swim against the current and pull themselves along the wall. The visibility in the water wouldn’t have been very good.”
Two volunteer British cave divers, Richard Stanton and John Volanthen, are believed to be the first to locate the boys and their coach.
Officials are sending in divers to secure the location where the 12 boys and their football coach are currently trapped by high water levels.
There are fears that conditions are too dangerous to remove the boys immediately and so the military are sending in food provisions to last the group for up to four months, until the end of the monsoon season, when water levels recede making conditions safer to rescue the group.
Divers will stay with the group while they wait to be extracted and will use the time to teach them how to use scuba gear, to aid with their eventual rescue.
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 rescue diver has said the boys were “very weak, but alive”.
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 and people are posting cartoon images of the team.
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.
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.
And with that, I’m handing over to my colleague Matthew Weaver.
Another question that is cropping up quite a lot on Twitter is what the group ate and drank for nine days.
The answer is we don’t know yet. With food it is likely they ate nothing, or only the little food they might have brought with them into the caves.
One rescue diver reported the condition of the boys was “very weak” and the boys repeatedly told the British divers who found them that they were hungry, with one child telling his friend in Thai “Make sure they know we’re hungry”. So that fits with them not having much to eat while they have been trapped.
As for drinking water, it is likely they drank water that filtered through the rock, or even drank floodwater. Throughout the week officials have expressed concern that they boys may be drinking contaminated water and a priority is getting clean water or a water filtration system to the boys.
