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Thailand cave rescue: Mission to save boys under way Thailand cave rescue: Mission to save boys under way
(35 minutes later)
Thai authorities have begun an operation to rescue 12 boys and their coach from the cave where they have been trapped for two weeks. Rescuers have begun a mission to evacuate 12 boys and their coach from the cave where they have been trapped for two weeks.
Rescue teams entered the cave at 10:00 local time (03:00 GMT), an official said at a news conference. Teams entered the cave at 10:00 local time (03:00 GMT), operation chief Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters.
Earlier in the day, all non-essential staff were evacuated from the site, leaving only diving teams, medics and security forces at the site. All non-essential staff have been cleared from the site near the entrance, leaving only diving teams, medics and security forces.
The boys were exploring the cave on 23 June when they were cut off by water.The boys were exploring the cave on 23 June when they were cut off by water.
Thirteen foreign divers and five from the Thai Navy are involved in the rescue mission.Thirteen foreign divers and five from the Thai Navy are involved in the rescue mission.
The earliest the first boys could emerge is 21:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Sunday, according to the officials, who added that both the trapped group and their families had been informed of the plan.The earliest the first boys could emerge is 21:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Sunday, according to the officials, who added that both the trapped group and their families had been informed of the plan.
It is unclear exactly how the boys will be moved. It is unclear exactly how the boys will be moved but it appears that the journey will include some diving and walking in areas where the water level permits.
Divers are understood to have already begun accompanying the first group of boys.
The initial part of their journey, through narrow, submerged passages, is the most challenging, the BBC's Jonathan Head reports from nearby.
It could involve long periods underwater for children who have never used diving equipment before.
The rescuers plan to rest them in a cave, which has been the forward base for the divers, our correspondent says.
They will then make the last, easier walk out to the entrance, and go from there to hospital.