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Thailand cave rescue: medics reach boys – live updates Thailand cave rescue: medics reach boys – live updates
(35 minutes later)
This graphic shows the route rescuers took to find the missing boys – and the problems they face in returning the children to their families.
Jacob Goldberg has filed a report for the Guardian from the Tham Luang cave at the foot of Nang Non mountain, where he says rescuers never lost hope that the missing children would be found and returned.
The sense of hope felt by the rescuers is also shared by the dozens of volunteers who have come from across the country to the northern tip of Chiang Rai province to contribute their skills to the rescue effort.
Wisalaya, a woman in her 50s who lives in the surrounding Mae Sai district, is one of the many community members who have set up makeshift kitchens at the site to hand out free meals to anyone who passes by. Throughout the day soldiers, medics, and reporters could be seen standing in two inches of mud, happily slurping noodle soup.
Wisalaya said: “I’m here because I love helping, and I love food.”
Divernet, a scuba-diving website, has more information on Rick Stanton, the Brit who along with John Volanthen was the first to reach the children.Divernet, a scuba-diving website, has more information on Rick Stanton, the Brit who along with John Volanthen was the first to reach the children.
They made several reconnaissance dives before pushing through to locate the boys in a dry chamber, reckoned to be some 2km into the cave and as much as 1000m below the surface – and some 400m from where previous searches had centred.They made several reconnaissance dives before pushing through to locate the boys in a dry chamber, reckoned to be some 2km into the cave and as much as 1000m below the surface – and some 400m from where previous searches had centred.
They laid guidelines while Thai military divers followed, stashing air-cylinders along the route for future use.They laid guidelines while Thai military divers followed, stashing air-cylinders along the route for future use.
Stanton and fellow-diver Jason Mallinson rescued six British cavers from Mexico’s Cueva de Alpazat system.Stanton and fellow-diver Jason Mallinson rescued six British cavers from Mexico’s Cueva de Alpazat system.
“During the Mexico rescue mission in 2004, Stanton is said to have persuaded a caver who was afraid of water to make a 180m dive to safety – but an underwater operation on the scale required in Thailand would be unprecedented,” Divernet reported.“During the Mexico rescue mission in 2004, Stanton is said to have persuaded a caver who was afraid of water to make a 180m dive to safety – but an underwater operation on the scale required in Thailand would be unprecedented,” Divernet reported.
The website also profiled Stanton in 2007.The website also profiled Stanton in 2007.
US air force captain Jessica Tait, who is part of the recovery effort in Chiang Rai, gave an interview to ABC News earlier today.US air force captain Jessica Tait, who is part of the recovery effort in Chiang Rai, gave an interview to ABC News earlier today.
“Really when you think about it nine days, complete darkness, no food [...] I watched the video and it was so moving to me because when I think about pretty much that mental will to live. And these boys have it,” Tait said.“Really when you think about it nine days, complete darkness, no food [...] I watched the video and it was so moving to me because when I think about pretty much that mental will to live. And these boys have it,” Tait said.
U.S. Air Force Captain Jessica Tait, part of the American military team on the ground in Thailand, tells @CeciliaVega on @GMA: "All options are being considered" as rescuers look at how best to extract soccer team from flooded cave. https://t.co/ocLcphyaXl pic.twitter.com/dZqHluTUfNU.S. Air Force Captain Jessica Tait, part of the American military team on the ground in Thailand, tells @CeciliaVega on @GMA: "All options are being considered" as rescuers look at how best to extract soccer team from flooded cave. https://t.co/ocLcphyaXl pic.twitter.com/dZqHluTUfN
At a time when some countries are pulling away from international partnerships, the rescue unfolding in Thailand “reminds us how much we have to gain when we work together”, a Chicago Sun-Times editorial says.At a time when some countries are pulling away from international partnerships, the rescue unfolding in Thailand “reminds us how much we have to gain when we work together”, a Chicago Sun-Times editorial says.
We have seen no name-calling or finger-pointing.We have seen no name-calling or finger-pointing.
We have heard no griping, based on nothing, that this nation or that nation has an unfair advantage.We have heard no griping, based on nothing, that this nation or that nation has an unfair advantage.
Nobody has singled out anybody based on race or religion.Nobody has singled out anybody based on race or religion.
No nation has made big promises and then reneged.No nation has made big promises and then reneged.
We have seen only an admirable international community coming together, a spirited joint effort, for the sake of 12 boys on a soccer team and their coach.We have seen only an admirable international community coming together, a spirited joint effort, for the sake of 12 boys on a soccer team and their coach.
And now we pray this story has a happy ending.And now we pray this story has a happy ending.
The Thai government has released psychiatric advice on how the youths should be rehabilitated, including asking the public to “be considerate” of what they say on social media.The Thai government has released psychiatric advice on how the youths should be rehabilitated, including asking the public to “be considerate” of what they say on social media.
Dr Tirapon Tungchittipon, from the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, said the children should not be exposed “to images of the incident to avoid psychological repercussions”.Dr Tirapon Tungchittipon, from the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, said the children should not be exposed “to images of the incident to avoid psychological repercussions”.
She suggested that society, especially social media, be considerate of the views they express towards the event, as remarks that may seem inconsequential could actually cause significant effects. A child’s personality and resilience will also impact how they handle their experience.She suggested that society, especially social media, be considerate of the views they express towards the event, as remarks that may seem inconsequential could actually cause significant effects. A child’s personality and resilience will also impact how they handle their experience.
Thai officials have been sending out mixed messages about what happens next.Thai officials have been sending out mixed messages about what happens next.
Navaon Siradapuvadol has compiled a selection of the latest official pronouncements:Navaon Siradapuvadol has compiled a selection of the latest official pronouncements:
Apakorn Yukongkaew, Naval special warfare command chief, said:Apakorn Yukongkaew, Naval special warfare command chief, said:
“Don’t worry we will do our best to take care of them and get them out safely. We are now planning the next step. The first plan is to reduce the water level and get them out but if we can’t, we will have a backup plan, but the children must come back to their families safely [...]“Don’t worry we will do our best to take care of them and get them out safely. We are now planning the next step. The first plan is to reduce the water level and get them out but if we can’t, we will have a backup plan, but the children must come back to their families safely [...]
“The children are fine. We don’t need to hurry. we will install the telephone line by tonight and the family can talk with them. We will take care of them until they get better, then they can come out.”“The children are fine. We don’t need to hurry. we will install the telephone line by tonight and the family can talk with them. We will take care of them until they get better, then they can come out.”
Deputy governor of Chiang Rai, Passakorn Bunyalak, said:Deputy governor of Chiang Rai, Passakorn Bunyalak, said:
“If they are ready, we will safely take them out immediately. We will take the one who is strong first. For those who are still weak, we will take care of them until they get better and take them out”“If they are ready, we will safely take them out immediately. We will take the one who is strong first. For those who are still weak, we will take care of them until they get better and take them out”
Commander of the Marehong River Line Unit, Wutthichai Poocharoenyos, said:Commander of the Marehong River Line Unit, Wutthichai Poocharoenyos, said:
“If the water level goes down, the kids will be able to walk out from the front of the cave. If not, they might have to dive. If they dive, we will have to use a full mask, which we are waiting for now.“If the water level goes down, the kids will be able to walk out from the front of the cave. If not, they might have to dive. If they dive, we will have to use a full mask, which we are waiting for now.
Now we have 10 Navy Seal officers with them including medics. We are assessing them both physically and mentally.”Now we have 10 Navy Seal officers with them including medics. We are assessing them both physically and mentally.”
The weather forecast for the area predicts some rain on Wednesday.The weather forecast for the area predicts some rain on Wednesday.
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.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.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.”“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”.Raymenants described reaching the boys as “very taxing”.
He said: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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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 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.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.