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Thai cave rescue underway: officials confirm operation has begun – live updates Thai cave rescue underway: officials confirm operation has begun – live
(35 minutes later)
Fresh oxygen canisters are being delivered to the mouth of the cave.
As the tragic death of “national hero” Saman Kunan proved this week, it is vital that there is the requisite oxygen to replenish everyone along the route out.
This was just before #ThamLaungRescue site became restricted access. Fresh canisters arriving and being taken to mouth of the cave. #13ชีวิตติดถ้ำ #ThailandCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/LLNQLKlYwc
The Thai government has published a graphic detailing how each child will be rescued.
Two divers will accompany each boy, who will wear full face masks as they are guided through the passageways by rope.
When facing a particularly narrow path the divers will release the tank from their back and slowly roll it through as they guide the boy through. This means that the boys will never be alone, as had been previously feared.
They will then walk from chamber 3, which has been drained to the extent that it is possible to walk in it, to the mouth of the cave that they entered on June 23.
Thai government releases graphic about #thamluangcaverescue . Full face masks; 2 divers accompanying 1 boy; guided by rope. When facing a very narrow path, they will release the tank from back and slowly roll tank & guide the boy through. They walk from Chamber 3 to mouth of cave pic.twitter.com/pLUKa8lHfd
Heavy rain is pouring down around a mile from the cave.
heavy rain is falling over the press center, about a mile from the cave. pic.twitter.com/YtB0KQvwgd
Meanwhile, the operation to drain the cave of water – which has seen millions of gallons pumped out throughout the past week – continues apace.
this one shows the pipes drawing water out of the cave. #ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/vSLkhjr1HC
A Thai version of the possible solution mooted by Elon Musk is being tested near the Tham Luang cave, according to the BBC’s Jonathan Head.A Thai version of the possible solution mooted by Elon Musk is being tested near the Tham Luang cave, according to the BBC’s Jonathan Head.
Not Space-X. But a Thai version of ⁦@elonmusk⁩ idea of an air-filled tube for trapped boys to get out, being tested near #Thamluangcave pic.twitter.com/udsKAdHLgYNot Space-X. But a Thai version of ⁦@elonmusk⁩ idea of an air-filled tube for trapped boys to get out, being tested near #Thamluangcave pic.twitter.com/udsKAdHLgY
Earlier this week, Musk said that an inflatable tube with airlocks could serve as an effective escape pod.Earlier this week, Musk said that an inflatable tube with airlocks could serve as an effective escape pod.
Some good feedback from cave experts in Thailand. Iterating with them on an escape pod design that might be safe enough to try. Also building an inflatable tube with airlocks. Less likely to work, given tricky contours, but great if it does.Some good feedback from cave experts in Thailand. Iterating with them on an escape pod design that might be safe enough to try. Also building an inflatable tube with airlocks. Less likely to work, given tricky contours, but great if it does.
The Thai Navy Seals have posted a photo to their Facebook page which demonstrates how local and international forces have united in the effort to free the trapped boys throughout the past fortnight.The Thai Navy Seals have posted a photo to their Facebook page which demonstrates how local and international forces have united in the effort to free the trapped boys throughout the past fortnight.
“เรา”...ผนึกกำลังทั้งทีมไทยและทีมนานาชาติ นำน้องๆทีมหมูป่า...กลับบ้าน“เรา”...ผนึกกำลังทั้งทีมไทยและทีมนานาชาติ นำน้องๆทีมหมูป่า...กลับบ้าน
This roughly translates to: “we”... the seal is both Thai team and international team leading the sisters of the boar team... go home.This roughly translates to: “we”... the seal is both Thai team and international team leading the sisters of the boar team... go home.
Hooyah!Hooyah!
This is Chiangrai Prachanukroh hospital in Chiang Rai city. It’s about 60km to the south of #ThamLuang cave complex. The boys will be taken here either by ambulance or helicopter. The 8th floor is reserved for them. No photography allowed #ถ้ำหลวง #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน #Thailand pic.twitter.com/AxtqTDQrbc The following picture and message was posted on the #ThaiNavySEAL Facebook: “เรา”...ผนึกกำลังทั้งทีมไทยและทีมนานาชาติ นำน้องๆทีมหมูป่า...กลับบ้านWe, the Thai Team and the international team, will bring the Wild Boars home.#ThamLuang #ถ้ำหลวง #Thailand #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน pic.twitter.com/7hwm2L6j6O
Officials are planning to send the boys to the Chiangrai Prachanukroh hospital, almost 60 miles from the cave, after they are freed.Officials are planning to send the boys to the Chiangrai Prachanukroh hospital, almost 60 miles from the cave, after they are freed.
A number of trolleys now sit by the main entrance in anticipation of their arrival.A number of trolleys now sit by the main entrance in anticipation of their arrival.
.@CNN has witnessed gurneys being prepared at a local hospital for the eventual arrivals of the soccer team, once each of the 13 members are rescued from the cave #ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/9yOaWRCwJ4.@CNN has witnessed gurneys being prepared at a local hospital for the eventual arrivals of the soccer team, once each of the 13 members are rescued from the cave #ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/9yOaWRCwJ4
Not all of the families approve that the rescue operation has been launched, it has been suggested.Not all of the families approve that the rescue operation has been launched, it has been suggested.
When approached by a journalist who asked if all of the families have given their blessing, the governor of Chiang Rai province, Narongsak Osottanakorn, replied “No .. they know and the understand.”When approached by a journalist who asked if all of the families have given their blessing, the governor of Chiang Rai province, Narongsak Osottanakorn, replied “No .. they know and the understand.”
Daniel Sutton, a senior Journalist with Network Ten Australia then asked, “Do they approve?” to which the governor reiterated “They know and they understand.”Daniel Sutton, a senior Journalist with Network Ten Australia then asked, “Do they approve?” to which the governor reiterated “They know and they understand.”
@danielsutton10 is on the ground where the Thailand cave rescue operation is currently underway. For all the details watch Ten Eyewitness News and head to ten daily. #TenNews https://t.co/MbkYj6hlFT pic.twitter.com/3xPETTm2kV@danielsutton10 is on the ground where the Thailand cave rescue operation is currently underway. For all the details watch Ten Eyewitness News and head to ten daily. #TenNews https://t.co/MbkYj6hlFT pic.twitter.com/3xPETTm2kV
It has been five hours since the team of divers went in to the cave complex and they are now expected to be “preparing the first and strongest of the team for the perilous underwater extraction”.It has been five hours since the team of divers went in to the cave complex and they are now expected to be “preparing the first and strongest of the team for the perilous underwater extraction”.
Thai and international rescue divers should by now have reached the 12 boys and their football coach, who have been trapped for 2 weeks inside a flooded cave, and be preparing the first and strongest of the team for the perilous underwater extractionThai and international rescue divers should by now have reached the 12 boys and their football coach, who have been trapped for 2 weeks inside a flooded cave, and be preparing the first and strongest of the team for the perilous underwater extraction
The Bangkok Post is quoting government sources who claim the Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-Ocha will fly to Chiang Rai tomorrow and arrive at the rescue site in the afternoon to oversee the rescue effort and to meet with the families of those trapped.The Bangkok Post is quoting government sources who claim the Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-Ocha will fly to Chiang Rai tomorrow and arrive at the rescue site in the afternoon to oversee the rescue effort and to meet with the families of those trapped.
It is unknown how he will be received with the popularity of the Thai military junta, who staged a successful coup in 2014, at reportedly all time lows. Prayut visited the camp last week where he spoke to families.It is unknown how he will be received with the popularity of the Thai military junta, who staged a successful coup in 2014, at reportedly all time lows. Prayut visited the camp last week where he spoke to families.
The last Thai general election was held in February 2014, three months before the coup, and the government claim the next will be held “no later” than February 2019 – in what was the latest delay to anger critics of the government.The last Thai general election was held in February 2014, three months before the coup, and the government claim the next will be held “no later” than February 2019 – in what was the latest delay to anger critics of the government.
I’m Mattha Busby and I’ll be taking over from my colleague Kate Lyons as 18 divers make their way through the Tham Luang cave complex to rescue the 12 footballers and their coach who have been trapped for 15 daysI’m Mattha Busby and I’ll be taking over from my colleague Kate Lyons as 18 divers make their way through the Tham Luang cave complex to rescue the 12 footballers and their coach who have been trapped for 15 days
Just to remind readers just waking up in the UK, officials have cleared the 1.5km section between the cave entrance and chamber three sufficiently that people can walk along it.Just to remind readers just waking up in the UK, officials have cleared the 1.5km section between the cave entrance and chamber three sufficiently that people can walk along it.
It is expected that the first boy will make it out by 3pm BST.It is expected that the first boy will make it out by 3pm BST.
It’s been suggested this morning that the Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-Ocha will arrive tomorrow to oversee the rescue effort and to meet with the families of those trapped.It’s been suggested this morning that the Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-Ocha will arrive tomorrow to oversee the rescue effort and to meet with the families of those trapped.
Meanwhile, camera crews are camping out in the bushes near the entrance to the rescue site. It could be a bit of a wait, and we’ll be bringing you updates all of the way.Meanwhile, camera crews are camping out in the bushes near the entrance to the rescue site. It could be a bit of a wait, and we’ll be bringing you updates all of the way.
camera crews are camping out in the bushes near the entrance to the rescue site. it will be a long, wet wait. pic.twitter.com/8n0ccX3gW0camera crews are camping out in the bushes near the entrance to the rescue site. it will be a long, wet wait. pic.twitter.com/8n0ccX3gW0
While details of the rescue team are still murky, a key player in the team is Australian doctor and diverDr Richard Harris, an anaesthetist based in Adelaide.While details of the rescue team are still murky, a key player in the team is Australian doctor and diverDr Richard Harris, an anaesthetist based in Adelaide.
The civilian diver was specifically asked to join the rescue mission by the British divers who found the boys on Monday night.The civilian diver was specifically asked to join the rescue mission by the British divers who found the boys on Monday night.
He has worked at South Australia’s emergency medical retrieval service (MedSTAR) as an aeromedical consultant and has previously worked with AusAID in Vanuatu providing anaesthesia and intensive care services.He has worked at South Australia’s emergency medical retrieval service (MedSTAR) as an aeromedical consultant and has previously worked with AusAID in Vanuatu providing anaesthesia and intensive care services.
In 2011 he was part of the team that worked to retrieve the body of his friend the diver Agnes Milowka from Tank Cave at Millicent.In 2011 he was part of the team that worked to retrieve the body of his friend the diver Agnes Milowka from Tank Cave at Millicent.
He has also worked as an underwater cameraman on National Geographic documentaries and feature films.He has also worked as an underwater cameraman on National Geographic documentaries and feature films.
On Saturday, Australia’s foreign minister Julie Bishop, tweeted that Australia was “sending a medical specialist with cave-diving experience to join the team of 17 [Australians] ... helping Thai government rescue 12 boys and soccer coach”.On Saturday, Australia’s foreign minister Julie Bishop, tweeted that Australia was “sending a medical specialist with cave-diving experience to join the team of 17 [Australians] ... helping Thai government rescue 12 boys and soccer coach”.
Australia is sending a medical specialist with cave-diving expertise to join the Aussie team of 17 from @AusFedPolice @DeptDefence @dfat helping Thai Government rescue 12 boys and soccer coach🇦🇺🇹🇭 @NatTraumaCentre #AUSMAT #ThamLuangCave pic.twitter.com/Fk0zjsPmcNAustralia is sending a medical specialist with cave-diving expertise to join the Aussie team of 17 from @AusFedPolice @DeptDefence @dfat helping Thai Government rescue 12 boys and soccer coach🇦🇺🇹🇭 @NatTraumaCentre #AUSMAT #ThamLuangCave pic.twitter.com/Fk0zjsPmcN
Thai authorities have confirmed that a rescue operation to retrieve 12 boys and their football coach from a cave in northern Thailand is under way.Thai authorities have confirmed that a rescue operation to retrieve 12 boys and their football coach from a cave in northern Thailand is under way.
At 10am local time 18 divers went into the cave to bring out the boys – including 13 international divers and five Thai navy Seals.At 10am local time 18 divers went into the cave to bring out the boys – including 13 international divers and five Thai navy Seals.
The former governor who is in charge of the rescue operation called the international divers “all-stars” and the Thai divers “five of our best”.The former governor who is in charge of the rescue operation called the international divers “all-stars” and the Thai divers “five of our best”.
Water levels have dropped significantly since Saturday, and officials say that they are now at “peak readiness”.Water levels have dropped significantly since Saturday, and officials say that they are now at “peak readiness”.
Officials would not confirm if the boys would have to dive out of the caves,but said that water levels had dropped enough that much of the cave network was walkable.Officials would not confirm if the boys would have to dive out of the caves,but said that water levels had dropped enough that much of the cave network was walkable.
It might take several days for all the boys and their coach to come out. The boys will be brought out one by one.It might take several days for all the boys and their coach to come out. The boys will be brought out one by one.
Officials said that they might stop and start the operation “depending on weather”.Officials said that they might stop and start the operation “depending on weather”.
The first rescued boy could come out at 9pm local time on Sunday.The first rescued boy could come out at 9pm local time on Sunday.
The children are said to be in high spirits and “ready to go”. The families have been informed about the plan and have also agreed to it.The children are said to be in high spirits and “ready to go”. The families have been informed about the plan and have also agreed to it.
The boys were assessed by an Australian doctor who gave them the all-clear to make the journey.The boys were assessed by an Australian doctor who gave them the all-clear to make the journey.
Earlier today all media and non-rescue personnel were cleared from the cave site area.Earlier today all media and non-rescue personnel were cleared from the cave site area.
The coordinator of the rescue efforts said rescuers were still in a “war with water and time” as monsoon rainclouds loomed over the north of the country early on Sunday.The coordinator of the rescue efforts said rescuers were still in a “war with water and time” as monsoon rainclouds loomed over the north of the country early on Sunday.
The 12 boys and their football coach have been trapped inside the cave for 15 days, after they ventured into the caves on 23 June and got trapped by rising waters.The 12 boys and their football coach have been trapped inside the cave for 15 days, after they ventured into the caves on 23 June and got trapped by rising waters.
They were discovered by British divers on Monday night after a nine-day round-the-clock search involving teams from all over the world.They were discovered by British divers on Monday night after a nine-day round-the-clock search involving teams from all over the world.
A reminder of some numbers:A reminder of some numbers:
The 12 boys and their football coach have now been trapped in the cave for 15 days, venturing in there on 23 June after football practice.The 12 boys and their football coach have now been trapped in the cave for 15 days, venturing in there on 23 June after football practice.
It has been more than five days since they were discovered by British divers on Monday night.It has been more than five days since they were discovered by British divers on Monday night.
Officials have been working round-the-clock to pump water out of the cave complex and have cleared the 1.5km section between the cave entrance and chamber three sufficiently that people can walk along it.Officials have been working round-the-clock to pump water out of the cave complex and have cleared the 1.5km section between the cave entrance and chamber three sufficiently that people can walk along it.
It takes 11 hours for experienced adult divers to make a round trip from the entrance of the cave to where the boys are, and out again.It takes 11 hours for experienced adult divers to make a round trip from the entrance of the cave to where the boys are, and out again.
Eighteen divers – 13 international experts and five Thai navy Seals – set off this morning at 10am to begin the rescue mission. The boys will be brought out one-by-one and we are not expecting to see the first boy before 9pm today.Eighteen divers – 13 international experts and five Thai navy Seals – set off this morning at 10am to begin the rescue mission. The boys will be brought out one-by-one and we are not expecting to see the first boy before 9pm today.
Our reporter, Jacob Goldberg, says that camera crews – barred from the cave site and forbidden from taking pictures of the rescue – are camping out near the entrance to the site, trying to get as close as they can to the cave’s entrance.Our reporter, Jacob Goldberg, says that camera crews – barred from the cave site and forbidden from taking pictures of the rescue – are camping out near the entrance to the site, trying to get as close as they can to the cave’s entrance.
The divers set off at 10am local time. It is currently just after 1:30pm in Thailand. We have been told not to expect the first boy to emerge from the cave until 9pm, so as Jacob writes “it will be a long, wet wait”.The divers set off at 10am local time. It is currently just after 1:30pm in Thailand. We have been told not to expect the first boy to emerge from the cave until 9pm, so as Jacob writes “it will be a long, wet wait”.
camera crews are camping out in the bushes near the entrance to the rescue site. it will be a long, wet wait. pic.twitter.com/8n0ccX3gW0camera crews are camping out in the bushes near the entrance to the rescue site. it will be a long, wet wait. pic.twitter.com/8n0ccX3gW0
The Thai navy Seals have posted a photograph to Facebook about the rescue mission that five of their number have embarked on.The Thai navy Seals have posted a photograph to Facebook about the rescue mission that five of their number have embarked on.
“We, the Thai navy Seals, along with the international diver team, are ready to bring the soccer team home!” they wrote in the caption of the post.“We, the Thai navy Seals, along with the international diver team, are ready to bring the soccer team home!” they wrote in the caption of the post.
Five Thai divers, whom Narongsak Osatanakorn, the coordinator of the rescue mission, described as “some of our best” will join 13 expert international divers in a rescue mission to bring the 12 boys and their football coach out of the cave.Five Thai divers, whom Narongsak Osatanakorn, the coordinator of the rescue mission, described as “some of our best” will join 13 expert international divers in a rescue mission to bring the 12 boys and their football coach out of the cave.
The mission could take days, with Narongsak saying the first boy could emerge at about 9pm local time – 11 hours after the mission commenced.The mission could take days, with Narongsak saying the first boy could emerge at about 9pm local time – 11 hours after the mission commenced.
Thai navy Seals have been staying with the boys in the cave since they were found on Monday night and officials have spoken of the importance of having Thai-speaking divers, with whom the boys have formed a bond, as part of the rescue mission.Thai navy Seals have been staying with the boys in the cave since they were found on Monday night and officials have spoken of the importance of having Thai-speaking divers, with whom the boys have formed a bond, as part of the rescue mission.
The Seals experienced a blow on Friday when one of their former members, Saman Kunan, who was volunteering in the rescue mission, died while returning from the cave where thee boys are trapped.The Seals experienced a blow on Friday when one of their former members, Saman Kunan, who was volunteering in the rescue mission, died while returning from the cave where thee boys are trapped.
Veena Thoopkrajae who is on the ground working for the Guardian, reports that traffic around Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital, which is where officials plan to send the boys when they get them out of the cave, has been closed.Veena Thoopkrajae who is on the ground working for the Guardian, reports that traffic around Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital, which is where officials plan to send the boys when they get them out of the cave, has been closed.
The hospital is about 57 km from the cave.The hospital is about 57 km from the cave.
Elon Musk has wished the “extremely talented dive team” luck on their mission, in a tweet that seems to indicate his involvement in the rescue efforts may have come to an end.Elon Musk has wished the “extremely talented dive team” luck on their mission, in a tweet that seems to indicate his involvement in the rescue efforts may have come to an end.
Earlier this week, the billionaire entrepreneur was approached to assist with the rescue mission.Earlier this week, the billionaire entrepreneur was approached to assist with the rescue mission.
Got more great feedback from Thailand. Primary path is basically a tiny, kid-size submarine using the liquid oxygen transfer tube of Falcon rocket as hull. Light enough to be carried by 2 divers, small enough to get through narrow gaps. Extremely robust.Got more great feedback from Thailand. Primary path is basically a tiny, kid-size submarine using the liquid oxygen transfer tube of Falcon rocket as hull. Light enough to be carried by 2 divers, small enough to get through narrow gaps. Extremely robust.
Musk tweeted overnight that a team from his rocket company SpaceX in Los Angeles was building a mini-sub to help with the rescue, and that it would take eight hours to construct the mini-sub and 17 hours to transport it to Thailand.Musk tweeted overnight that a team from his rocket company SpaceX in Los Angeles was building a mini-sub to help with the rescue, and that it would take eight hours to construct the mini-sub and 17 hours to transport it to Thailand.
However, after today’s news that the rescue mission had begun he tweeted: “Extremely talented dive team. Makes sense given monsoon. Godspeed.”However, after today’s news that the rescue mission had begun he tweeted: “Extremely talented dive team. Makes sense given monsoon. Godspeed.”