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Thailand cave rescue: former navy diver dies during operation – live Thailand cave rescue: former navy diver dies during operation – live
(35 minutes later)
A Thai Buddhist monk leads military guards carrying a flag-draped coffin containing Saman Kunan’s body, the former Thai Navy Seal Petty Officer who died in the ongoing rescue operation, during a repatriation ceremony at Mae Fah Luang international airport in Chiang Rai province.
Members of the armed forces stand in salute as Kunan’s body is flown back to his hometown in Roi Et
Earlier this morning local time, the mother of one of the trapped Thai boys reacts to the announcement of Kunan’s death.
Outside the cave on Friday afternoon, the rescue effort continues as the Thai military deliver yet more water pumps.
Nearby, Thai servicemen are getting haircuts. It is unclear whether this is for practical purposes - as many will be diving deep underground - or if it is merely due to the swelling media attention.
Late last night, the FIFA president Gianni Infantino invited the 12 young Thai footballers, along with their coach, to the World Cup final in Moscow on July 15 if they are freed by that time.
“We have been anxiously following news of the rescue operation,” a statement said.
“On behalf of the international footballing community, I would like to join you in expressing our deepest sympathies and support to the families of the players and coach.
“If, as we all hope, they are reunited with their families in the coming days, and their health allows them to travel, FIFA would be delighted to invite them to attend the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow as our guests.”
FIFA, via a letter from Gianni Infantino to the FA Thailand President, have invited the children and coach currently in the cave to the World Cup final if circumstances allow. pic.twitter.com/ycC2GfPfeA
Elon Musk, the SpaceX founder, has been discussing potential methods the rescuers could employ to aid their effort as SpaceX and Boring Co engineers head to Thailand to assist the government.Elon Musk, the SpaceX founder, has been discussing potential methods the rescuers could employ to aid their effort as SpaceX and Boring Co engineers head to Thailand to assist the government.
SpaceX & Boring Co engineers headed to Thailand tomorrow to see if we can be helpful to govt. There are probably many complexities that are hard to appreciate without being there in person.SpaceX & Boring Co engineers headed to Thailand tomorrow to see if we can be helpful to govt. There are probably many complexities that are hard to appreciate without being there in person.
It remains to be seen whether this would be feasible but Musk has suggested that inserting “a 1m diameter nylon tube (or shorter set of tubes for most difficult sections)” through the cave network and “inflate with air like a bouncy castle” should create “an air tunnel underwater against cave roof and auto-conform to odd shapes like the 70cm hole”. This could potentially help pump the water and pave part of the way to make any future escape easier.It remains to be seen whether this would be feasible but Musk has suggested that inserting “a 1m diameter nylon tube (or shorter set of tubes for most difficult sections)” through the cave network and “inflate with air like a bouncy castle” should create “an air tunnel underwater against cave roof and auto-conform to odd shapes like the 70cm hole”. This could potentially help pump the water and pave part of the way to make any future escape easier.
This image makes it simple. Critical 70cm area is at the center. Several dives and two rest areas in between before getting to strong 13 Thais. You probably need several inserts if going with air funnel solution pic.twitter.com/1Pz6vd7U4NThis image makes it simple. Critical 70cm area is at the center. Several dives and two rest areas in between before getting to strong 13 Thais. You probably need several inserts if going with air funnel solution pic.twitter.com/1Pz6vd7U4N
The Thai English-language newspapers, The Bangkok Post and The National, have both published infographics mapping the ongoing rescue operation and the possible escape routes.The Thai English-language newspapers, The Bangkok Post and The National, have both published infographics mapping the ongoing rescue operation and the possible escape routes.
Plan A, suggest The Bangkok Post, would see each of the boys dive make for the entrance with three Navy Seals.Plan A, suggest The Bangkok Post, would see each of the boys dive make for the entrance with three Navy Seals.
It is reportedly taking professional divers six hours to reach them and five hours to return, meaning the journey would take much longer with the boys – many of whom cannot even swim.It is reportedly taking professional divers six hours to reach them and five hours to return, meaning the journey would take much longer with the boys – many of whom cannot even swim.
Plan B would involve drilling a shaft into the cave where the boys are situated. This was thought to be the most dangerous option and, despite the authorities best efforts, the exact location for any potential drill has yet to be identified.Plan B would involve drilling a shaft into the cave where the boys are situated. This was thought to be the most dangerous option and, despite the authorities best efforts, the exact location for any potential drill has yet to be identified.
Infographics on today’s front pages of The Nation and the Bangkok Post about the ongoing rescue operation in #ThamLuang cave in Northern #Thailand pic.twitter.com/gSFvhoVbljInfographics on today’s front pages of The Nation and the Bangkok Post about the ongoing rescue operation in #ThamLuang cave in Northern #Thailand pic.twitter.com/gSFvhoVblj
The National has posited four potential rescue options:The National has posited four potential rescue options:
1. Drilling a sloped shaft1. Drilling a sloped shaft
2. Finding a natural shaft (it must be said that no such shaft has yet been found)2. Finding a natural shaft (it must be said that no such shaft has yet been found)
3. Providing food and supplies to the boys so that they can wait months for the floodwaters to subside.3. Providing food and supplies to the boys so that they can wait months for the floodwaters to subside.
4. Diving and trekking out of the flooded cave.4. Diving and trekking out of the flooded cave.
Danish volunteer cave diver Ivan Karadzic has told Sky News he believes a rescue of the 12 schoolboys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand will happen “today or tomorrow”.Danish volunteer cave diver Ivan Karadzic has told Sky News he believes a rescue of the 12 schoolboys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand will happen “today or tomorrow”.
Danish volunteer cave diver Ivan Karadzic has told Sky News he believes a rescue of the 12 schoolboys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand will happen "today or tomorrow"Danish volunteer cave diver Ivan Karadzic has told Sky News he believes a rescue of the 12 schoolboys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand will happen "today or tomorrow"
“There’s few people who have experience rescuing kids from deep inside the cave,” he said, explaining the difficulties posed to the rescuers.“There’s few people who have experience rescuing kids from deep inside the cave,” he said, explaining the difficulties posed to the rescuers.
How soon do you think it will happen? “Today or tomorrow, I think,” he said.How soon do you think it will happen? “Today or tomorrow, I think,” he said.
As preparations around the cave intensify, Saman Kunan’s body has been taken aboard a C-120 to be sent to Bangkok airport where he will receive a royal-sponsored funeral in the coming days.As preparations around the cave intensify, Saman Kunan’s body has been taken aboard a C-120 to be sent to Bangkok airport where he will receive a royal-sponsored funeral in the coming days.
The body of Warrant Officer Saman Kunan, a retired SEAL member, is taken onboard a C-130 plane. Saman died performing an operation to rescue the 12 footballers and their coach stranded in Tham Luang cave https://t.co/URKByOoEaF Photos: @SpringNews_TV #ThamLuang #ถ้ำหลวง #Thailand pic.twitter.com/9XijONjRfMThe body of Warrant Officer Saman Kunan, a retired SEAL member, is taken onboard a C-130 plane. Saman died performing an operation to rescue the 12 footballers and their coach stranded in Tham Luang cave https://t.co/URKByOoEaF Photos: @SpringNews_TV #ThamLuang #ถ้ำหลวง #Thailand pic.twitter.com/9XijONjRfM
One of 33 men rescued from a mine in San José, Chile in 2010 – after they were trapped deep underground for 69 days – has recorded a touching message to the footballers and their coach.One of 33 men rescued from a mine in San José, Chile in 2010 – after they were trapped deep underground for 69 days – has recorded a touching message to the footballers and their coach.
“I have no doubt that if we pray and if the government does everything this rescue will be a success,” says Mario Sepulveda. “We will be praying for each one of you and your families ... and each of the children facing this challenge.”“I have no doubt that if we pray and if the government does everything this rescue will be a success,” says Mario Sepulveda. “We will be praying for each one of you and your families ... and each of the children facing this challenge.”
The Chilean men survived choking, blinding dust and rationed meagre stocks of tinned tuna and peaches into a near-starvation diet. The Guardian’s Rory Carroll reported from the scene as the first men reached the surface.The Chilean men survived choking, blinding dust and rationed meagre stocks of tinned tuna and peaches into a near-starvation diet. The Guardian’s Rory Carroll reported from the scene as the first men reached the surface.
Sarb Johal from the Joint Centre for Disaster Research at Massey University, an international centre for research and teaching in disaster risk and emergency management, has spoken about the psychological impact on the trapped boys.Sarb Johal from the Joint Centre for Disaster Research at Massey University, an international centre for research and teaching in disaster risk and emergency management, has spoken about the psychological impact on the trapped boys.
He says that not only will they be psychologically disorientated but that “many of their basic physiological functions that depend upon circadian rhythms will be disturbed.”He says that not only will they be psychologically disorientated but that “many of their basic physiological functions that depend upon circadian rhythms will be disturbed.”
From the perspective of those boys and their coach, the relief of being found may co-exist with the knowledge that they remain stuck and that their future remains uncertain. It’s hard to know for certain what they do and do not know about their chances of rescue in the short term, and how they may adapt to trying to deal with the possibility that rising floods waters may be a threat to their ability to survive their ordeal, or that they may remain trapped for weeks or months while people figure out the best plan or action.From the perspective of those boys and their coach, the relief of being found may co-exist with the knowledge that they remain stuck and that their future remains uncertain. It’s hard to know for certain what they do and do not know about their chances of rescue in the short term, and how they may adapt to trying to deal with the possibility that rising floods waters may be a threat to their ability to survive their ordeal, or that they may remain trapped for weeks or months while people figure out the best plan or action.
We also know that the physical circumstances in which the boys and their coach are trapped also have the potential to cause harm. The lack of daylight over this period of time means that they may not only be psychologically disoriented, but that many of their basic physiological functions that depend upon circadian rhythms will be disturbed, such as sleep, hormonal functioning, core temperature, their feeding and drinking, and also how their gastrointestinal systems might be functioning.We also know that the physical circumstances in which the boys and their coach are trapped also have the potential to cause harm. The lack of daylight over this period of time means that they may not only be psychologically disoriented, but that many of their basic physiological functions that depend upon circadian rhythms will be disturbed, such as sleep, hormonal functioning, core temperature, their feeding and drinking, and also how their gastrointestinal systems might be functioning.
Johal says that setting up circadian-based light, which triggers the release of serotonin much like the sun, within the cave might prove to the boys’ longterm health.Johal says that setting up circadian-based light, which triggers the release of serotonin much like the sun, within the cave might prove to the boys’ longterm health.
If circadian-based lighting can be established in the cave - should the boys actually have to establish themselves there for a long period or time - that may help to regularise some of these bodily functions and go a long way to helping to develop some kind of routine in day-to-day living in this extraordinary situation. Synchronising routines with the outside world through light and daily patterns of living might also be a powerful connection to establish a sense of hope.If circadian-based lighting can be established in the cave - should the boys actually have to establish themselves there for a long period or time - that may help to regularise some of these bodily functions and go a long way to helping to develop some kind of routine in day-to-day living in this extraordinary situation. Synchronising routines with the outside world through light and daily patterns of living might also be a powerful connection to establish a sense of hope.
Support for each other when they are trapped is also important - but situations may also become fraught when forced to stay together for an extended period of time with so much uncertainty and likely stress. It’s hard to know how it will play out but critical points may emerge, such as who may be selected to attempt escape first and how those choices are made. There are no easy answers to such dilemmas, and there may be many more to come.Support for each other when they are trapped is also important - but situations may also become fraught when forced to stay together for an extended period of time with so much uncertainty and likely stress. It’s hard to know how it will play out but critical points may emerge, such as who may be selected to attempt escape first and how those choices are made. There are no easy answers to such dilemmas, and there may be many more to come.
He goes on to explain the mixed emotions that the rescuers must be currently experiencing, adding that they themselves will need care and support as the mission unfolds.He goes on to explain the mixed emotions that the rescuers must be currently experiencing, adding that they themselves will need care and support as the mission unfolds.
From the perspective of the rescuers, including the divers who have established contact with the trapped boys and coach, it is likely to be a time of mixed emotions. Joy at being able to find them alive, yet mixed with the reality of the challenge that lies before everyone in trying to extract them to safety. Drawing from the established body of research, it is likely that they and other members of the rescue teams will need care and support for their own wellbeing as this situation unfolds.From the perspective of the rescuers, including the divers who have established contact with the trapped boys and coach, it is likely to be a time of mixed emotions. Joy at being able to find them alive, yet mixed with the reality of the challenge that lies before everyone in trying to extract them to safety. Drawing from the established body of research, it is likely that they and other members of the rescue teams will need care and support for their own wellbeing as this situation unfolds.
A video has emerged of Saman Kunan as he waited to board a plane to join the rescue mission in Chiang Rai.A video has emerged of Saman Kunan as he waited to board a plane to join the rescue mission in Chiang Rai.
“I am at Suvanahabhumi airport waiting to board the plane to join the mission in Chiang Rai,” he said.“I am at Suvanahabhumi airport waiting to board the plane to join the mission in Chiang Rai,” he said.
“I’m accompanied by doctors from Navy and divers from Sea World that also donates lots of diving equipment. See you this evening. We will bring the kids home.”“I’m accompanied by doctors from Navy and divers from Sea World that also donates lots of diving equipment. See you this evening. We will bring the kids home.”
จ.อ.สมาน กุนัน พูด ก่อนขึ้นเครื่องบินมาสนับสนุนภารกิจมนุษย์กบ พา 13 ชีวิตที่ถ้ำหลวงกลับบ้าน ขอแสดงความเสียใจอย่างสุดซึ้ง และขอขอบคุณในหัวใจที่ยิ่งใหญ่ของพี่ค่ะ R.I.P pic.twitter.com/ZeyZHxf68Nจ.อ.สมาน กุนัน พูด ก่อนขึ้นเครื่องบินมาสนับสนุนภารกิจมนุษย์กบ พา 13 ชีวิตที่ถ้ำหลวงกลับบ้าน ขอแสดงความเสียใจอย่างสุดซึ้ง และขอขอบคุณในหัวใจที่ยิ่งใหญ่ของพี่ค่ะ R.I.P pic.twitter.com/ZeyZHxf68N
ITV’s Richard Galsford is reporting from the scene and spoke to Good Morning Britain earlier this morning.ITV’s Richard Galsford is reporting from the scene and spoke to Good Morning Britain earlier this morning.
[Kunan] made that return journey which can last 5-6 hours and very sadly ran out of oxygen himself. He then lost consciousness, his dive buddy pulled him out of the cave system but he was then pronounced dead.[Kunan] made that return journey which can last 5-6 hours and very sadly ran out of oxygen himself. He then lost consciousness, his dive buddy pulled him out of the cave system but he was then pronounced dead.
The Thai navy say they’re going to continue with the mission and in fact we’re seeing a huge amount of activity here around the entrances to the cave this afternoon.The Thai navy say they’re going to continue with the mission and in fact we’re seeing a huge amount of activity here around the entrances to the cave this afternoon.
They’re continuing to pump out large amounts of water as well, trying to get the levels down in this complex cave system.They’re continuing to pump out large amounts of water as well, trying to get the levels down in this complex cave system.
They have a bit of a race against time. The monsoon rains are on the way. We’ve had showers today, we’ve got treacherous storms coming in over the weekend and that will just help fill that cave system up again.”They have a bit of a race against time. The monsoon rains are on the way. We’ve had showers today, we’ve got treacherous storms coming in over the weekend and that will just help fill that cave system up again.”
Thailand cave rescue: @richardgaisford is live in Tham Luang with reaction to news that a diver has died after delivering oxygen to the 12 boys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Northern Thailand. pic.twitter.com/9YAyTDyKlRThailand cave rescue: @richardgaisford is live in Tham Luang with reaction to news that a diver has died after delivering oxygen to the 12 boys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Northern Thailand. pic.twitter.com/9YAyTDyKlR
Former Thai navy diver Saman Gunan who’s died taking part in efforts to rescue the trapped football team. Petty Officer Gunan lost consciousness on his way out of #Thamluang cave complex where he’d been delivering air tanks. He’s being described as a national hero. #thamluangcave pic.twitter.com/0DYB5jvee6Former Thai navy diver Saman Gunan who’s died taking part in efforts to rescue the trapped football team. Petty Officer Gunan lost consciousness on his way out of #Thamluang cave complex where he’d been delivering air tanks. He’s being described as a national hero. #thamluangcave pic.twitter.com/0DYB5jvee6
The BBC’s Nick Beake has posted a photo of Saman Kunan, who was reportedly 38, following a triathlon. The avid runner had left the navy but returned to aid in the rescue operation.The BBC’s Nick Beake has posted a photo of Saman Kunan, who was reportedly 38, following a triathlon. The avid runner had left the navy but returned to aid in the rescue operation.
He lost consciousness as he left the cave complex where had been delivering air tanks to help boost oxygen levels underground. Quite rightly, he is being described as a national hero.He lost consciousness as he left the cave complex where had been delivering air tanks to help boost oxygen levels underground. Quite rightly, he is being described as a national hero.
“His job was to deliver oxygen. He did not have enough on his way back,” the Chiang Rai deputy governor said.“His job was to deliver oxygen. He did not have enough on his way back,” the Chiang Rai deputy governor said.
This is Mattha Busby taking over from Kate Lyons.This is Mattha Busby taking over from Kate Lyons.
Thai authorities say they have a “limited amount of time” to rescue the boys and are racing to make preparations amid worsening weather and lowered oxygen levels in the underground complex.Thai authorities say they have a “limited amount of time” to rescue the boys and are racing to make preparations amid worsening weather and lowered oxygen levels in the underground complex.
“We can no longer wait for all conditions (to be ready) because circumstances are pressuring us,” Thai SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew told a news conference.“We can no longer wait for all conditions (to be ready) because circumstances are pressuring us,” Thai SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew told a news conference.
“We originally thought the boys can stay safe inside the cave for quite some time but circumstances have changed. We have limited amount of time.”“We originally thought the boys can stay safe inside the cave for quite some time but circumstances have changed. We have limited amount of time.”
Tributes to Saman Kunan, the former Thai navy Seal who died while placing air tanks along the route down to where the boys are trapped, are being paid as candles burn at a shrine outside of the cave.Tributes to Saman Kunan, the former Thai navy Seal who died while placing air tanks along the route down to where the boys are trapped, are being paid as candles burn at a shrine outside of the cave.
Candles burn at a shrine for the #ThamLuang trapped football team, as #Thailand prays for a former navy diver who died today in the search and recuse mission. A reminder of the dangers in the complex cave system. More @GMB pic.twitter.com/LUHPOHpG0ICandles burn at a shrine for the #ThamLuang trapped football team, as #Thailand prays for a former navy diver who died today in the search and recuse mission. A reminder of the dangers in the complex cave system. More @GMB pic.twitter.com/LUHPOHpG0I
A former Thai navy Seal diver has died during the rescue efforts, officials have announced.A former Thai navy Seal diver has died during the rescue efforts, officials have announced.
The diver has been named as Saman Kunan, 38, from Roi Et, a former Thai navy Seal who was assisting in the rescue efforts in a volunteer capacity.The diver has been named as Saman Kunan, 38, from Roi Et, a former Thai navy Seal who was assisting in the rescue efforts in a volunteer capacity.
He died when he ran out of air while diving in the caves at 1am last night. He had been placing air tanks in the caves, as part of preparations for a potential rescue mission.He died when he ran out of air while diving in the caves at 1am last night. He had been placing air tanks in the caves, as part of preparations for a potential rescue mission.
Tributes have been paid to Saman, who was described by the Thai navy Seals as “a skilled and talented Seal” who loved adventure sports and who “always participated in the Seal activities until the last step of his life”.Tributes have been paid to Saman, who was described by the Thai navy Seals as “a skilled and talented Seal” who loved adventure sports and who “always participated in the Seal activities until the last step of his life”.
It is unclear how Saman’s death will affect plans to rescue the 12 children and their football coach currently trapped in the Tham Luang cave network.It is unclear how Saman’s death will affect plans to rescue the 12 children and their football coach currently trapped in the Tham Luang cave network.
A spokesman asked how children could be ferried through this cave if an adult former navy Seal died in there, replied: “We have to try everything.”A spokesman asked how children could be ferried through this cave if an adult former navy Seal died in there, replied: “We have to try everything.”
Officials are involved in a race against time as monsoon rains are set to hit northern Thailand at any moment. When they do there are fears that any rescue attempt involving the boys diving out of the caves will become impossible.Officials are involved in a race against time as monsoon rains are set to hit northern Thailand at any moment. When they do there are fears that any rescue attempt involving the boys diving out of the caves will become impossible.
The oxygen supply in the cave has dropped to 15%. Normal oxygen levels in the air are about 21%. The presence of hundreds of rescue workers inside the cave has been depleting the air supply the boys have been relying on.The oxygen supply in the cave has dropped to 15%. Normal oxygen levels in the air are about 21%. The presence of hundreds of rescue workers inside the cave has been depleting the air supply the boys have been relying on.
Officials are desperately trying to lay down a pipe that can carry air into the cave where the boys are in case they become trapped by raising water during the monsoon season.Officials are desperately trying to lay down a pipe that can carry air into the cave where the boys are in case they become trapped by raising water during the monsoon season.
Deputy army commander Chalongchai Chaiyakham said he was unsure how long the boys could survive in such conditions. “I’m not a medical person. I can’t answer that,” he said. Divers have released 30 tanks of air to try to restore healthy levels.Deputy army commander Chalongchai Chaiyakham said he was unsure how long the boys could survive in such conditions. “I’m not a medical person. I can’t answer that,” he said. Divers have released 30 tanks of air to try to restore healthy levels.
The chief engineer involved in the rescue mission has told the Guardian that he thinks a team may be able to drill down to where the boys are and get them out that way.The chief engineer involved in the rescue mission has told the Guardian that he thinks a team may be able to drill down to where the boys are and get them out that way.
The Thai navy Seals have paid tribute to Saman Kunan, the former navy Seal diver who died while volunteering in rescue efforts at the Tham Luang caves. The text of the tribute, posted by the navy Seals is below:The Thai navy Seals have paid tribute to Saman Kunan, the former navy Seal diver who died while volunteering in rescue efforts at the Tham Luang caves. The text of the tribute, posted by the navy Seals is below:
“See you in Chiang Rai” was the message circulated in a group chat of former Seal officers as they learned about a search and rescue mission for the Moo Pa Academy players and their coach.“See you in Chiang Rai” was the message circulated in a group chat of former Seal officers as they learned about a search and rescue mission for the Moo Pa Academy players and their coach.
The mission requires a lot of divers to support those divers at the frontline including preparation for moving the 12 footballers and coach. Saman Kunan was responsible for placing tanks from the third chamber to the T-junction. When he finished placing the tank on his way back, his buddy found him unconscious and gave him first aid but couldn’t save him.The mission requires a lot of divers to support those divers at the frontline including preparation for moving the 12 footballers and coach. Saman Kunan was responsible for placing tanks from the third chamber to the T-junction. When he finished placing the tank on his way back, his buddy found him unconscious and gave him first aid but couldn’t save him.
Saman Kunan ... left the unit to work at the Suvarnabhumi airport in 2006. He was a skilled and talented Seal and a triathlon athlete. He loved adventurous sport. Even after he departed the Seal unit, he still kept in touch and maintained a tie with the rest of his former colleagues. He always participated in the Seal activities until the last step of his life. Saman left us while working as a diver and in a time where all divers joining forces to complete the mission.Saman Kunan ... left the unit to work at the Suvarnabhumi airport in 2006. He was a skilled and talented Seal and a triathlon athlete. He loved adventurous sport. Even after he departed the Seal unit, he still kept in touch and maintained a tie with the rest of his former colleagues. He always participated in the Seal activities until the last step of his life. Saman left us while working as a diver and in a time where all divers joining forces to complete the mission.
His effort and determination will always remain the hearts of all divers.His effort and determination will always remain the hearts of all divers.
May you rest in peace and we will accomplish this mission as you had wished.May you rest in peace and we will accomplish this mission as you had wished.
Reports are circulating that heavy rains have arrived at the Tham Luang caves, where the boys are currently trapped. Our correspondent on the ground assures us the heavy rains have come and gone, lasting for just five minutes.Reports are circulating that heavy rains have arrived at the Tham Luang caves, where the boys are currently trapped. Our correspondent on the ground assures us the heavy rains have come and gone, lasting for just five minutes.
This is good news, but is also just a temporary reprieve. Monsoon rains are due to arrive at any moment and when they do there are fears that any rescue attempt involving the boys diving out of the caves will become impossible and that the desperate attempts to reduce water levels to make a rescue operation safer will have been in vain.This is good news, but is also just a temporary reprieve. Monsoon rains are due to arrive at any moment and when they do there are fears that any rescue attempt involving the boys diving out of the caves will become impossible and that the desperate attempts to reduce water levels to make a rescue operation safer will have been in vain.
Away from the tragedy in the cave and in a gesture that shows the enormous outpouring of concern for the trapped group from across the globe, Fifa has invited the young footballers to attend the World Cup final in Moscow if they are out of the cave and well enough to travel by the time of the event.Away from the tragedy in the cave and in a gesture that shows the enormous outpouring of concern for the trapped group from across the globe, Fifa has invited the young footballers to attend the World Cup final in Moscow if they are out of the cave and well enough to travel by the time of the event.
“On behalf of the international football community, I would like to join you in expressing my deepest sympathies and support to the families of the players and coach, as well as my solidarity with the people of Thailand at this time of great concern,” Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa said in a letter to the president of the Football Association of Thailand.“On behalf of the international football community, I would like to join you in expressing my deepest sympathies and support to the families of the players and coach, as well as my solidarity with the people of Thailand at this time of great concern,” Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa said in a letter to the president of the Football Association of Thailand.
“If, as we all hope, they are reunited with their families in the coming days and their health allows them to travel, Fifa would be delighted to invite them to attend the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow as our guests.”“If, as we all hope, they are reunited with their families in the coming days and their health allows them to travel, Fifa would be delighted to invite them to attend the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow as our guests.”
This is one of many gestures from the international football community.This is one of many gestures from the international football community.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Football Club manager, recorded a video for CNN Sport telling the boys: “Stay strong and we are with you. We are following all the news and hoping every second that you see the daylight again.”Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Football Club manager, recorded a video for CNN Sport telling the boys: “Stay strong and we are with you. We are following all the news and hoping every second that you see the daylight again.”
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo said: “It is terrible news and the world of football hopes that someone can find a way to take these kids out of there.”Brazilian football legend Ronaldo said: “It is terrible news and the world of football hopes that someone can find a way to take these kids out of there.”
After their defeat at the World Cup, the Japanese team sent a message to the boys on Twitter, writing “Hang on, football family are with you!”After their defeat at the World Cup, the Japanese team sent a message to the boys on Twitter, writing “Hang on, football family are with you!”
"We are hoping every second that you see the daylight again. You'll never walk alone." Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has delivered a message of hope to the Thai football team trapped in a cave.👉 https://t.co/ByhbCmxzuJ pic.twitter.com/DgrplSZN5U"We are hoping every second that you see the daylight again. You'll never walk alone." Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has delivered a message of hope to the Thai football team trapped in a cave.👉 https://t.co/ByhbCmxzuJ pic.twitter.com/DgrplSZN5U
The chief engineer involved in the rescue mission has told the Guardian that he thinks a team may be able to drill down to where the boys are located and get them out that way.The chief engineer involved in the rescue mission has told the Guardian that he thinks a team may be able to drill down to where the boys are located and get them out that way.
Drilling was previously believed to be too dangerous an option, given the small space the boys and their coach are trapped in, and the fact that they are believed to be between 800m and 1km below the surface.Drilling was previously believed to be too dangerous an option, given the small space the boys and their coach are trapped in, and the fact that they are believed to be between 800m and 1km below the surface.
Thai authorities are progressing several different plans at once to try to reach the boys – including drilling a hole from the top of the mountain to find them. Thanes Weerasin, the president of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, who is supervising a drilling crew currently in the jungle above the boys, told the Guardian he was exploring one particularly promising tunnel with a large hole about 100m into it.Thai authorities are progressing several different plans at once to try to reach the boys – including drilling a hole from the top of the mountain to find them. Thanes Weerasin, the president of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, who is supervising a drilling crew currently in the jungle above the boys, told the Guardian he was exploring one particularly promising tunnel with a large hole about 100m into it.
“It’s a big hole, about 1.2m by 1m,” he said. “You can go down using a rope … I think this place can lead to the children because after your foot touches the ground below, you can walk through using the compass and direct it to the tunnel [where the children are stuck].”“It’s a big hole, about 1.2m by 1m,” he said. “You can go down using a rope … I think this place can lead to the children because after your foot touches the ground below, you can walk through using the compass and direct it to the tunnel [where the children are stuck].”
About 20m in the direction of the boys, Weerasin said he reached another hole that was obstructed by a boulder. He wedged a borescope through a gap and saw it extended up to another 10m.About 20m in the direction of the boys, Weerasin said he reached another hole that was obstructed by a boulder. He wedged a borescope through a gap and saw it extended up to another 10m.
He believes the hole leads to the boys because when he lit a fire, smoke flowed quickly through cracks around the boulder, presumably because of the water being pumped from the main cave on the other side.He believes the hole leads to the boys because when he lit a fire, smoke flowed quickly through cracks around the boulder, presumably because of the water being pumped from the main cave on the other side.
“It went very quickly. I think that is caused by the pumping of the water from the end of the tunnel and outside at the entrance,” he said.“It went very quickly. I think that is caused by the pumping of the water from the end of the tunnel and outside at the entrance,” he said.
He believes the hole could eventually lead to Nom Sao slope, the area past Pattaya Beach where the children and their coach are sheltering. “I think this hole is near there.”He believes the hole could eventually lead to Nom Sao slope, the area past Pattaya Beach where the children and their coach are sheltering. “I think this hole is near there.”
We believe this is Saman Kunan, the former navy Seal diver, who died last night after running out of air while diving in the caves where the 12 boys and their football coach are trapped.We believe this is Saman Kunan, the former navy Seal diver, who died last night after running out of air while diving in the caves where the 12 boys and their football coach are trapped.
Saman is no longer employed by the navy, he volunteered as part of the rescue mission.Saman is no longer employed by the navy, he volunteered as part of the rescue mission.
Thai Armed Force website offered their condolences to Saman’s family and wrote that “Cave diving is one of the most difficult jobs in the world.”Thai Armed Force website offered their condolences to Saman’s family and wrote that “Cave diving is one of the most difficult jobs in the world.”
The level of oxygen in the cave where the boys are trapped has dropped to 15%, authorities have confirmed. The usual level is around 21%.The level of oxygen in the cave where the boys are trapped has dropped to 15%, authorities have confirmed. The usual level is around 21%.
Asked how long that would last the boys, deputy commander Chalongchai Chaiyakham replied: “I’m not a medical person, I can’t answer that.”Asked how long that would last the boys, deputy commander Chalongchai Chaiyakham replied: “I’m not a medical person, I can’t answer that.”
Maintaining air supplies inside the cave emerged as a key challenge on Friday as rescuers faced the prospect of the boys remaining underground throughout the monsoon season that ends in October.Maintaining air supplies inside the cave emerged as a key challenge on Friday as rescuers faced the prospect of the boys remaining underground throughout the monsoon season that ends in October.
The presence of hundreds of rescue workers inside the cave has been depleting the air supplies the boys have been relying on, Narongsak Osatanakorn, the governor of Chiang Rai province said at a briefing on Friday.The presence of hundreds of rescue workers inside the cave has been depleting the air supplies the boys have been relying on, Narongsak Osatanakorn, the governor of Chiang Rai province said at a briefing on Friday.
It was during a mission to place air tanks along the route to the boys, the current method for refreshing the air supply in the cave, that the former Seal, identified as Saman Kunan, died around 1am on Friday morning.It was during a mission to place air tanks along the route to the boys, the current method for refreshing the air supply in the cave, that the former Seal, identified as Saman Kunan, died around 1am on Friday morning.