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Thai cave rescue: governor says it is unknown when boys will be out – live Thai cave rescue: governor says it is unknown when boys will be out – live
(35 minutes later)
Various contradictory reports are circulating regarding the emergence of two of the boys.
Reuters says, citing a local official, that the first two members of the Thai football team have been recovered from the cave.
ITV’s John Irvine says that a local police chief has just told him that two of the boys are out of the cave complex. They are apparently safe and reasonably well.
The Bangkok Post, meanwhile, says the first 2 boys are on their way to the entrance of the cave suggesting that they have completed the swim and are now walking through the chambers.
The Guardian cannot confirm any of these reports. If the boys have escaped, it would be at least two hours ahead of schedule.
Thirteen medical teams are standing ready outside the cave - each with its own helicopter and ambulance - one for each of 12 boys and their coach.Thirteen medical teams are standing ready outside the cave - each with its own helicopter and ambulance - one for each of 12 boys and their coach.
After an initial assessment at the site, there are plans for the boys to be airlifted around 50 miles to the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital.After an initial assessment at the site, there are plans for the boys to be airlifted around 50 miles to the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital.
A source at the hospital told Reuters that five emergency response doctors were awaiting the party and a further 30 doctors were on stand-by, adding that everyone was feeling tense.A source at the hospital told Reuters that five emergency response doctors were awaiting the party and a further 30 doctors were on stand-by, adding that everyone was feeling tense.
“The teams here are happy the boys are being rescued but also anxious about the severity of the boys’ conditions. We’re under a lot of pressure,” she said, under condition of anonymity because she was not allowed to speak to the media.“The teams here are happy the boys are being rescued but also anxious about the severity of the boys’ conditions. We’re under a lot of pressure,” she said, under condition of anonymity because she was not allowed to speak to the media.
The area outside the hospital is cordoned off and police are patrolling the area. On the street leading to the hospital, vendors are being ordered to “keep off the road” and to “not obstruct the transfer mission”.The area outside the hospital is cordoned off and police are patrolling the area. On the street leading to the hospital, vendors are being ordered to “keep off the road” and to “not obstruct the transfer mission”.
There has reportedly been a flurry of activity near the cave with people being ordered to leave the sides of the roads amid rumours a high-ranking politician may soon be arriving.There has reportedly been a flurry of activity near the cave with people being ordered to leave the sides of the roads amid rumours a high-ranking politician may soon be arriving.
Given the timing, it’s unlikely the boys are coming out so quickly, since rescue operations only started at 9 today and it takes several hours to reach them, and hours to come back. But could be a VIP visit? People being told to leave the side of the road pic.twitter.com/JByow1UEaWGiven the timing, it’s unlikely the boys are coming out so quickly, since rescue operations only started at 9 today and it takes several hours to reach them, and hours to come back. But could be a VIP visit? People being told to leave the side of the road pic.twitter.com/JByow1UEaW
In a press release, the head of the joint command centre, Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, issued an update on the progress of the cave rescue operation.In a press release, the head of the joint command centre, Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, issued an update on the progress of the cave rescue operation.
The operation began at 10am when 13 international divers entered the cave. 10 of them headed for chamber 9 (where the boys are) and chamber 6 (near the junction) as planned. Another 3 cave divers performed their duty to support diving efforts beginning at 14.00.The operation began at 10am when 13 international divers entered the cave. 10 of them headed for chamber 9 (where the boys are) and chamber 6 (near the junction) as planned. Another 3 cave divers performed their duty to support diving efforts beginning at 14.00.
There are a number of additional rescue personnel including divers, from Thailand, USA, Australia, China and Europe stationed from chamber 3 to the entrance. This includes a rope system to assist over difficult terrain in chambers 2 and 3.There are a number of additional rescue personnel including divers, from Thailand, USA, Australia, China and Europe stationed from chamber 3 to the entrance. This includes a rope system to assist over difficult terrain in chambers 2 and 3.
Due to the difficulty of the operation, Osottanakorn says it is unknown how long it will be until the first child has made it out – it had been suggested earlier today that the first of the boys could be out by 3pm BST.Due to the difficulty of the operation, Osottanakorn says it is unknown how long it will be until the first child has made it out – it had been suggested earlier today that the first of the boys could be out by 3pm BST.
Because of the complexity of the cave and difficulty of the operation. it is unknown how long it will take before the team can bring out the first batch of boys. The divers will work with medics in the cave to assess the boys’ health before determining who will come out first.Because of the complexity of the cave and difficulty of the operation. it is unknown how long it will take before the team can bring out the first batch of boys. The divers will work with medics in the cave to assess the boys’ health before determining who will come out first.
They cannot decide how many of them will be able to come out for the first operation.Based on the complexity and difficulty of the cave environment it is unknown how long it might take and how many children would exit the cave.They cannot decide how many of them will be able to come out for the first operation.Based on the complexity and difficulty of the cave environment it is unknown how long it might take and how many children would exit the cave.
The boys are expected to now be swimming throughout the passageways in tandem with the cave divers.The boys are expected to now be swimming throughout the passageways in tandem with the cave divers.
A graphic published by the Thai News Agency illustrates the task ahead in what it calls the “cave maze-bottle neck”.A graphic published by the Thai News Agency illustrates the task ahead in what it calls the “cave maze-bottle neck”.
ปฏิบัติการพาหมูป่าออกถ้ำหลวง โดยให้ซีล 2 คน ประกบ 1 คน หน้า-หลัง มีเชือกนำทาง ซึ่งเด็กจะสวมหน้ากากดำน้ำแบบเต็มหน้าและใส่ชุดเว็ทสูท ต้องเจอกับเสี่ยงทั้ง กระแสน้ำ ความคดเคี้ยวถ้ำ-คอขวด และอุปสรรคใหญ่ คือจุดน้ำลึกสุด 5 ม. คาดใช้เวลา 11 ชม. เข้า 6 ชม. ออก 5 ชม. #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน pic.twitter.com/gVGpwwro3qปฏิบัติการพาหมูป่าออกถ้ำหลวง โดยให้ซีล 2 คน ประกบ 1 คน หน้า-หลัง มีเชือกนำทาง ซึ่งเด็กจะสวมหน้ากากดำน้ำแบบเต็มหน้าและใส่ชุดเว็ทสูท ต้องเจอกับเสี่ยงทั้ง กระแสน้ำ ความคดเคี้ยวถ้ำ-คอขวด และอุปสรรคใหญ่ คือจุดน้ำลึกสุด 5 ม. คาดใช้เวลา 11 ชม. เข้า 6 ชม. ออก 5 ชม. #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน pic.twitter.com/gVGpwwro3q
Renewed monsoon downpours above them have come and gone throughout the past hour, according to reporters at the scene.Renewed monsoon downpours above them have come and gone throughout the past hour, according to reporters at the scene.
Jacob Goldberg, who is reporting for the Guardian, says:Jacob Goldberg, who is reporting for the Guardian, says:
Earlier this afternoon, reporters working frantically under a network of plastic canopies at the Pong Pha sub-district office snatched their devices to save them from a sudden torrent of rain that streamed through the many cracks in the shelter.Earlier this afternoon, reporters working frantically under a network of plastic canopies at the Pong Pha sub-district office snatched their devices to save them from a sudden torrent of rain that streamed through the many cracks in the shelter.
Though normal in Thailand this time of year, each instance of rainfall puts a look of panic on the faces of everyone covering the rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the belly of the nearby mountain.Though normal in Thailand this time of year, each instance of rainfall puts a look of panic on the faces of everyone covering the rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the belly of the nearby mountain.
Fortunately, the worst of the wetness lasted only a few minutes, and work quickly returned to normal. It rained lightly for less than an hour, and now, the mountain and the area around it are dry, prolonging the favourable conditions that allowed the rescue attempt to begin this morning.Fortunately, the worst of the wetness lasted only a few minutes, and work quickly returned to normal. It rained lightly for less than an hour, and now, the mountain and the area around it are dry, prolonging the favourable conditions that allowed the rescue attempt to begin this morning.
Rafael Aroush, an Israeli volunteer diver tells CNN that speed is “very, very important,” now, he says. “(There) might be crucial changes in the rescue operation (plan) and somebody will make a decision maybe to bring more of them out today.”Rafael Aroush, an Israeli volunteer diver tells CNN that speed is “very, very important,” now, he says. “(There) might be crucial changes in the rescue operation (plan) and somebody will make a decision maybe to bring more of them out today.”
He says because the cave is limestone and there are many streams overflowing into the system, ongoing inclement weather could “destroy the whole operation.”He says because the cave is limestone and there are many streams overflowing into the system, ongoing inclement weather could “destroy the whole operation.”
A plastic model mapping the mountains above where the boys and their coach are trapped has been spotted in a local government office.A plastic model mapping the mountains above where the boys and their coach are trapped has been spotted in a local government office.
a plastic model of the mountains where the boys and their coach are now in the process of being rescued. spotted in the Pong Pha sub-district office, where press were instructed to relocate from the rescue site this morning. pic.twitter.com/nYNP7Xkgo9a plastic model of the mountains where the boys and their coach are now in the process of being rescued. spotted in the Pong Pha sub-district office, where press were instructed to relocate from the rescue site this morning. pic.twitter.com/nYNP7Xkgo9
Andy Eavis, former head of the British caving association, tells the BBC that the cave divers at the scene are “the masters of the profession” and have “the best chance of anyone on earth” at successfully rescuing the boys.Andy Eavis, former head of the British caving association, tells the BBC that the cave divers at the scene are “the masters of the profession” and have “the best chance of anyone on earth” at successfully rescuing the boys.
I should point out straight away from diving in caves is significantly different to diving in open water.I should point out straight away from diving in caves is significantly different to diving in open water.
It was very important to get cave divers out there,veople who have the right mindset to operate in these types of conditions - low visibility, tight spaces and no air space above.It was very important to get cave divers out there,veople who have the right mindset to operate in these types of conditions - low visibility, tight spaces and no air space above.
So they have got a team now of international cave divers and that is the key to this. They are the masters of the profession and they have been in these situations before. They have the best chance of anyone on earth at getting these guys out.So they have got a team now of international cave divers and that is the key to this. They are the masters of the profession and they have been in these situations before. They have the best chance of anyone on earth at getting these guys out.
He goes on to say that “the only real danger is panic” and that if the boys get used to being underwater then they should make it out safely.He goes on to say that “the only real danger is panic” and that if the boys get used to being underwater then they should make it out safely.
The word to avoid here is panic. There’s been a lot of positives like the fact the boys themselves did not panic when they were in the dark for nine days. They’re pretty cool, calm collected about it now. The authorities are not panicking and I know the cave divers are also not panicking.The word to avoid here is panic. There’s been a lot of positives like the fact the boys themselves did not panic when they were in the dark for nine days. They’re pretty cool, calm collected about it now. The authorities are not panicking and I know the cave divers are also not panicking.
When they put [the boys] in the water with scuba gear on, the only real danger is panic. If they can get them used to being underwater and breathing underwater they will get them out safely.When they put [the boys] in the water with scuba gear on, the only real danger is panic. If they can get them used to being underwater and breathing underwater they will get them out safely.
The first group of boys should be on their way back now.The first group of boys should be on their way back now.
Helicopters await to ferry them to the region’s largest hospital almost 60 miles away.Helicopters await to ferry them to the region’s largest hospital almost 60 miles away.
These are just some of the helicopters standing by to fly out the 13 “Wild Boars” youth football team to the next hospital if necessary, as divers are beginning their extraction out of the #ThamLaung since earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/QuPN3HhjIrThese are just some of the helicopters standing by to fly out the 13 “Wild Boars” youth football team to the next hospital if necessary, as divers are beginning their extraction out of the #ThamLaung since earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/QuPN3HhjIr
This graphic of the cave layout sketches out the complex more clearly than any other I have seen so far.This graphic of the cave layout sketches out the complex more clearly than any other I have seen so far.
Best graphic of cave layout/issues I've seen - via https://t.co/99aHSbmsm4 pic.twitter.com/OVgrEnEWTxBest graphic of cave layout/issues I've seen - via https://t.co/99aHSbmsm4 pic.twitter.com/OVgrEnEWTx
Veena Thoopkrajae, who is on the ground working for the Guardian, has tweeted a video of volunteers cooking food non-stop.Veena Thoopkrajae, who is on the ground working for the Guardian, has tweeted a video of volunteers cooking food non-stop.
Kitchen has been moved along with the press. Volunteers are cooking non-stop. Food sent to those carrying missions at the cave too. #thamluang #thaicaverescue #ทีมหมูป่าต้องรอด @MsKateLyons pic.twitter.com/Dff4pYlNTcKitchen has been moved along with the press. Volunteers are cooking non-stop. Food sent to those carrying missions at the cave too. #thamluang #thaicaverescue #ทีมหมูป่าต้องรอด @MsKateLyons pic.twitter.com/Dff4pYlNTc
Some of that food is then being delivered underground to the boys and the rescuers.Some of that food is then being delivered underground to the boys and the rescuers.
here they’re passing food toward the interior of the cave for the boys. pic.twitter.com/YzkkmvmLCBhere they’re passing food toward the interior of the cave for the boys. pic.twitter.com/YzkkmvmLCB
The trapped boys will be divided into four groups, the Bangkok Post is quoting a source as saying.
It says the first group will have four people, with the second, third and fourth containing three people. The coach will be in the final group.
Coach Ekkapol Chantawong (left) is among the last 3 including 2 boys to be escorted by divers out of flooded #ThamLuang cave: Rescue authorities. #D-DayFile photo @ThaiSEAL FB page pic.twitter.com/xhG3V48Hhg
Jacob Goldberg, who is reporting for the Guardian, has interviewed Dr. Andrea Danese, a child psychiatrist at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, who has discussed the possible psychological consequences of the ordeal on the boys.
After a long time spent underground, the boys will be tired possibly mildly confused – almost as if they were jet-lagged – and likely quite emotional. Bringing them together with a parent will certainly be a positive experience. The mental health professionals could advise the parents on how to support their children in the aftermath of this scary experience.
The parents can help their children in many ways. They can comfort them emotionally by finding the right words to communicate that the threat is over, saying that is OK to feel strong emotions in the aftermath of scary experiences, suggesting ways of coping with those emotions, and importantly to bring back normality by using routines familiar to the boys.
Overall, this is clearly an unusual situation but we can think about the mental health of these boys based on work in traumatised young people more broadly. Many of the boys will have some emotional symptoms - they may be tearful, easily upset, and clingy. These symptoms will resolve within weeks in most of the boys.
A sizeable minority of the boys will develop psychiatric disorders, says Danese, who recommends the boys are carefully assessed and monitored for some time after they are freed.
A sizeable minority of them will develop psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or possible conduct problems and substance abuse. Therefore, the boys should be carefully assessed and monitored after being reunited with their families.
The assessment needs to be broad, considering all types of psychopathology rather than only focus on PTSD, should include a careful assessment of their risk for self-harm, and identify changes in functioning since the incident. Some children may have had pre-exising vulnerability to psychopathology, which should be considered in the assessment.
It is important that the boys who develop psychopathology receive evidence-based treatments personalised to their clinical presentation rather than general counselling advice related to copying with distress or interventions with poor evidence base.
It’s a “war against water”, according to Narongsak Osottanakorn, the governor of Chiang Rai province.
“It’s always been against time but that has become more and more critical over the past few days,” reports the BBC’s Sophie Long, holding an umbrella as monsoon rains pour down upon the area around the cave.
“The fear was that if they didn’t move now that the rain .. would gush down the mountain and refill the [cave] leaving the boys in an even worse situation than there were in, in the first place.”
Thai cave rescue: "War against water" has begun as monsoon rains hit Tham LuangFollow live updates: https://t.co/x6vvncsUoh pic.twitter.com/rgCqEhq0L5
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.
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/udsKAdHLgY
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.
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
This roughly translates to: “we”... the seal is both Thai team and international team leading the sisters of the boar team... go home.
Hooyah!
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.
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
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.”
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