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Thailand cave rescue: medics reach boys – live updates Thailand cave rescue: medics reach boys – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Ben Raymenants, who was 400m behind the British divers when the boys were found, suggests they are too weak to attempt a dive rescue for the moment.
Speaking to Sky News he said: “The condition of the boys is quite stable. They are mentally quite fit, better than anticipated. They are very weak though. They did not have any solid food for 10 days, just drinking water dripping from the walls. There are now two navy Seal doctors giving them food slowly, enabling them to get their powers back. And then see if they can evacuate the boys.
“First the boys need to get their strength again, because right now they can’t do anything at all. They have muscle atrophy, they can barely stand up. So they are feeding them slowly to get back their strength.”
Raymenants described reaching the boys as “very taxing”.
He said:
It is an extreme cave system. It is very long, one of the longest in Thailand, and its a complex system of tunnels.
The Thai navy is not that specialised in cave diving, so we were taking turns with the British team in laying fixed ropes, 2.5km into that tunnel making a way to this room where we expected the kids would be.
Raymenants said the boys had made their way though the tunnel as part of a local initiation rite.
They had no food. They left their backpacks and their shoes before wading in there, trying to go the end of the tunnel like an initiation for local young boys to go to the end of the tunnel and write your name on the wall and then make it back.
A flash flood because of sudden heavy rain locked them in, with no shoes and no food. They had just one flash light which obviously ran out.
There was a 30-year-old map made by French speleologists, with some corrections from British speleologists. That was the only basis we had. It was pure speculation that they could be there in one of these two rooms. One is called Pattaya beach, and the other is another dry air pocket. It was all speculation and pure luck that they were there.
Raymenats outlined three options for getting the boys out:
One is to teach them to scuba dive. It is a least a 2.5km swim through narrow restrictions of a complex cave system. This is not the easiest solution.
They are also trying to pump the cave empty with giant pumps which was working to some extent. But they are expecting heavy rains in the next two days.
The last option is sitting it out and waiting. Two medical officers in the Thai navy have volunteered to have themselves locked in with enough food and supplies to sit there for three or four months until the water drops again.
He cautioned against the dive option:
This is one of the more extreme cave dives that I have done. It is very far, and very complex. There is current. The visibility can be zero at times. So getting boys through there one by one, and the risk that they will panic is there. They can’t even swim. This has been done before with pulling people out of wrecks alive. So it is not impossible, but the issue is the restrictions - just one person can fit through. So guiding a boy through in front of you could be quite challenging, especially if the rain picks up and there’s a strong flow and the visibility reduces to zero. When it starts raining the flow is so hard you can barely swim against it.
It took us four hours just to swim to the point where we had to tie off the lines. It is really long swim. So it is really hard to give an opinion on what is the best solution.
I think the weather is going to be the deciding factor.
Ben Reymenants, a cave diver who’s part of the international team helping the rescue efforts, is talking up the option of pumping water out the cave.Ben Reymenants, a cave diver who’s part of the international team helping the rescue efforts, is talking up the option of pumping water out the cave.
Speaking to NBC News Today he said:Speaking to NBC News Today he said:
“They can’t swim, so they definitely can’t dive…The easiest [option] would be that they [people trying to rescue those in the cave] keep pumping the water out of the cave. They need another three or four feet so they can literally float them out with life jackets, but time is not on their side. They’re expecting heavy thunderstorms and rain which might flood the entire cave system, making the rescue impossible at that stage.”“They can’t swim, so they definitely can’t dive…The easiest [option] would be that they [people trying to rescue those in the cave] keep pumping the water out of the cave. They need another three or four feet so they can literally float them out with life jackets, but time is not on their side. They’re expecting heavy thunderstorms and rain which might flood the entire cave system, making the rescue impossible at that stage.”
If that does happen Reymenants said the boys and the coach could be expected to be in the cave for “up to 3-4 months.” He added, “Two Thai Navy doctors have volunteered to be locked up inside the cave…a huge sacrifice.”If that does happen Reymenants said the boys and the coach could be expected to be in the cave for “up to 3-4 months.” He added, “Two Thai Navy doctors have volunteered to be locked up inside the cave…a huge sacrifice.”
Asked about the condition of the boys he said: “They are actually quite responsive…but they are very weak and very skinny.”Asked about the condition of the boys he said: “They are actually quite responsive…but they are very weak and very skinny.”
A team of rescuers, including a doctor and a nurse, have reached 12 boys and their football coach, who have been trapped in a cave complex in Thailand for 10 days. They were found alive in the Tham Luang cave network by British divers on Monday.A team of rescuers, including a doctor and a nurse, have reached 12 boys and their football coach, who have been trapped in a cave complex in Thailand for 10 days. They were found alive in the Tham Luang cave network by British divers on Monday.
The Thai navy Seals, who are leading the operation, said the trapped boys and their coach, had been given easily-digested food. Earlier they said a rescue would not be attempted until the group were sufficiently strong.The Thai navy Seals, who are leading the operation, said the trapped boys and their coach, had been given easily-digested food. Earlier they said a rescue would not be attempted until the group were sufficiently strong.
Rescuers have appealed for 15 small and extra small full face masks, fuelling speculation that divers are preparing to lead them to safety through 750m flooded stretch of the cave. A rescuer told reporters that it was too dangerous to use conventional breathing apparatus as this could easily be knocked out during the dive. Rescuers have appealed for 15 small and extra small full face masks, fuelling speculation that divers are preparing to lead them to safety through 2.5km flooded stretch of the cave. A rescuer told reporters that it was too dangerous to use conventional breathing apparatus as this could easily be knocked out during the dive.
Seal commander Rear Adm Arpakorn Yookongkaew confirmed a dive out to safety 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.”Seal commander Rear Adm Arpakorn Yookongkaew confirmed a dive out to safety 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.”
Thailand’s interior minister, Anupong Paojinda, suggested the rescue attempt will be made over the next day or so, before a fresh downpour of monsoon rain is expected. He said: “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.”Thailand’s interior minister, Anupong Paojinda, suggested the rescue attempt will be made over the next day or so, before a fresh downpour of monsoon rain is expected. He said: “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.”
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.
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 rescue diver has said the boys were “very weak, but alive”.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 rescue diver has said the boys were “very weak, but alive”.
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 since the boys were reported missing. 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 search.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 since the boys were reported missing. 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 search.
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.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.
Passakorn Boonyarat, deputy governor of Chiang Rai province, refused to speculate on how long they might be trapped, but told reporters that anyone fit and able to leave the cave would be evacuated as soon as possible.Passakorn Boonyarat, deputy governor of Chiang Rai province, refused to speculate on how long they might be trapped, but told reporters that anyone fit and able to leave the cave would be evacuated as soon as possible.
“Any boys who are ready can come out first,” AFP quoted him saying.“Any boys who are ready can come out first,” AFP quoted him saying.
They will taken out via “chamber three” a cavern being used to as a base to store food, oxygen tanks and diving gear, he explained. The area is also being used to plan the complex logistics of how to move 13 weak and inexperienced divers out of a partially-submerged cave.They will taken out via “chamber three” a cavern being used to as a base to store food, oxygen tanks and diving gear, he explained. The area is also being used to plan the complex logistics of how to move 13 weak and inexperienced divers out of a partially-submerged cave.
Experts say the risks of panic, drowning or an accident are high for young, scared and physically drained divers trying to negotiate the tight, winding passages.Experts say the risks of panic, drowning or an accident are high for young, scared and physically drained divers trying to negotiate the tight, winding passages.
If diving proves impossible, there is an outside chance a hole can be drilled into the cave to evacuate them or they will have to wait for waters to recede and walk out - the longest of the options.If diving proves impossible, there is an outside chance a hole can be drilled into the cave to evacuate them or they will have to wait for waters to recede and walk out - the longest of the options.
Thai navy SEALs say all 13 people trapped in the cave are being looked after by medics who have reached them, AP reports.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.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 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 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.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.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 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.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.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.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!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?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: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, 25Ekkapol 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.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.”“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”.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.”“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, 12Duangphet 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.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, 13Somphong Jaiwong, 13
Like many in the team his wish is to play professional football.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.“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.“Our class is still confident he will be OK,” she said.
Mongkol Boonpium, 13Mongkol Boonpium, 13
Thinnakorn Boonpiem told AFP his son is a “good boy” who loves to study – almost as much as football.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.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.“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.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.
14.00 น.อังคาร 3 ก.ค.พบ 13 นักเตะแล้ว รอออกจากถ้ำ.นอกจากพาวเวอร์เจลแล้ว อาหารปกติมื้อแรกที่ทีมหมูป่าจะได้กินคือ ข้าวเหนียวหมูทอด.#WorkpoinNews #ถ้ำหลวง #ทีมหมูป่า #ThamLuang pic.twitter.com/vwIZvLM9OL14.00 น.อังคาร 3 ก.ค.พบ 13 นักเตะแล้ว รอออกจากถ้ำ.นอกจากพาวเวอร์เจลแล้ว อาหารปกติมื้อแรกที่ทีมหมูป่าจะได้กินคือ ข้าวเหนียวหมูทอด.#WorkpoinNews #ถ้ำหลวง #ทีมหมูป่า #ThamLuang pic.twitter.com/vwIZvLM9OL
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 daysPolice 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