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| Thai cave rescue mission: third operation under way to free last four boys and coach – live | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Quite a bit has happened so far today. | |
| The main thing to note, of course, is that the third and hopefully final rescue mission began a few hours ago, with the intention of bringing out all four boys, their 25-year-old coach, and the doctor and the navy Seals who have been in the cave with them. We’ll bring you updates as we get them about that mission. | |
| 19 divers went back into the cave system at 10.08am, local time. | |
| Authorities hope the mission can be completed even faster than yesterday’s nine hours, which shaved two hours off the total time of the first mission. | |
| Conditions remain similar to previous days, despite heavy rains overnight. | |
| From the information released about the rescued boys, it’s understood the youngest, aged just 11, as well as the coach remain in the cave. | |
| Health officials say the first four boys rescued have now seen their parents - through a glass window - and will soon get to speak to them. The second group of four are expected to also reunite with their parents soon. | |
| The boys are in good health, although two have “minor” lung infections, and all are wearing sunglasses after spending more than two weeks in near total darkness. | |
| They are undergoing further tests, and have been kept away from TVs so as not to impact their mental health. | |
| They are also not yet allowed to eat the rich Thai food they’ve been requesting - so far it’s diluted porridge, bread, and some chocolate. | |
| They will remain in hospital for at least seven days, meaning they won’t make it to the World Cup finals, which they were invited to by the president of Fifa. | |
| Elon Musk has shown up with his mini-submarine and left it at the site, but the rescue chief has said it’s not of any use. | |
| “Hooyah,” the Thai Navy Seals have posted to Facebook. | |
| “Today is 10 July 2018. It will be longer than previous ones. We will celebrate together! Hooyah!” | |
| The rescue chief has politely dismissed the much publicised attempts by tech entrepreneur, Elon Musk, to help the mission. According to his tweets, Musk has spent the past few days designing and building a small submarine, ostensibly to help get the boys out safely. | The rescue chief has politely dismissed the much publicised attempts by tech entrepreneur, Elon Musk, to help the mission. According to his tweets, Musk has spent the past few days designing and building a small submarine, ostensibly to help get the boys out safely. |
| “Although his technology is good and sophisticated it’s not practical for this mission,” Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation, said a short time ago. | “Although his technology is good and sophisticated it’s not practical for this mission,” Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation, said a short time ago. |
| Earlier today, Musk tweeted that he had brought the mini submarine - “made of rocket parts and named Wild Boar after kids’ soccer team” - to the cave site, leaving it there in case it was useful in the future. Four boys were already out at that stage, but the rescue mission for another four and their coach had not yet begun. | Earlier today, Musk tweeted that he had brought the mini submarine - “made of rocket parts and named Wild Boar after kids’ soccer team” - to the cave site, leaving it there in case it was useful in the future. Four boys were already out at that stage, but the rescue mission for another four and their coach had not yet begun. |
| Rescue Chief on @elonmusk Submarine: "Although his technology is good and sophisticated it's not practical for this mission" @heldavidson #thanluangcAve | Rescue Chief on @elonmusk Submarine: "Although his technology is good and sophisticated it's not practical for this mission" @heldavidson #thanluangcAve |
| Just returned from Cave 3. Mini-sub is ready if needed. It is made of rocket parts & named Wild Boar after kids’ soccer team. Leaving here in case it may be useful in the future. Thailand is so beautiful. pic.twitter.com/EHNh8ydaTT | Just returned from Cave 3. Mini-sub is ready if needed. It is made of rocket parts & named Wild Boar after kids’ soccer team. Leaving here in case it may be useful in the future. Thailand is so beautiful. pic.twitter.com/EHNh8ydaTT |
| If everything goes to plan, by end of the day, no Wild Boars will be left inside the cave. | If everything goes to plan, by end of the day, no Wild Boars will be left inside the cave. |
| “You have seen the rain so you might be wondering – preparation for the third operation has been underway since early morning,” said Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation. | “You have seen the rain so you might be wondering – preparation for the third operation has been underway since early morning,” said Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation. |
| He said the first 19 divers involved in today’s operation were sent in around 10.08am, with more to enter gradually throughout the day. | He said the first 19 divers involved in today’s operation were sent in around 10.08am, with more to enter gradually throughout the day. |
| Torrential rain overnight had not affected conditions for the rescue, he said, it was hoped the rescue could proceed even faster than yesterday’s. | Torrential rain overnight had not affected conditions for the rescue, he said, it was hoped the rescue could proceed even faster than yesterday’s. |
| “The first day we spent 11 hours, yesterday we spent nine hours, [today] we hope we can do it faster or the same as yesterday.” | “The first day we spent 11 hours, yesterday we spent nine hours, [today] we hope we can do it faster or the same as yesterday.” |
| “If everything goes right, we will see four kids and a doctor and Seals that have stayed with the kids will all come out,” he said. “Four plus one coach, so it’s five.” | “If everything goes right, we will see four kids and a doctor and Seals that have stayed with the kids will all come out,” he said. “Four plus one coach, so it’s five.” |
| BREAKING: “We expect that everybody will be out today, the children and coach and everybody will be out today”, says Mission Commander #ThamLuangCave #TenNews pic.twitter.com/xzpkzNXxZO | BREAKING: “We expect that everybody will be out today, the children and coach and everybody will be out today”, says Mission Commander #ThamLuangCave #TenNews pic.twitter.com/xzpkzNXxZO |
| Thai authorities have confirmed today’s rescue mission began at 10.08 this morning (local time), with 19 divers going in. | Thai authorities have confirmed today’s rescue mission began at 10.08 this morning (local time), with 19 divers going in. |
| Despite the heavy rain overnight, conditions in the cave haven’t changed much. | Despite the heavy rain overnight, conditions in the cave haven’t changed much. |
| Michael Safi reports there was applause in the room as the rescue chief, Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation, announced the four boys and their coach will be brought out in the one mission. | Michael Safi reports there was applause in the room as the rescue chief, Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation, announced the four boys and their coach will be brought out in the one mission. |
| More to come. | More to come. |
| Key points: operation started 10.08am, involving 19 divers and they're bringing out last four boys and their coach #ThamLuangRescue | Key points: operation started 10.08am, involving 19 divers and they're bringing out last four boys and their coach #ThamLuangRescue |
| #ThamLuangCave all will be brought out today, rescue Chief confirms | #ThamLuangCave all will be brought out today, rescue Chief confirms |
| Hearing that today's operations proceeding at usual tempo despite the rain and burden of an extra person to rescue #ThamLuangRescue @heldavidson | Hearing that today's operations proceeding at usual tempo despite the rain and burden of an extra person to rescue #ThamLuangRescue @heldavidson |
| While we wait for confirmation about today’s scheduled rescue mission, Michael Safi has addressed some of the frequent questions we are getting from readers. | While we wait for confirmation about today’s scheduled rescue mission, Michael Safi has addressed some of the frequent questions we are getting from readers. |
| Has the rescue started again? | Has the rescue started again? |
| That is unclear so far. | That is unclear so far. |
| Will all five get out today? | Will all five get out today? |
| Authorities have said this decision will be made by the diving team. “I cannot answer this question right now,” Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation said on Monday night. | Authorities have said this decision will be made by the diving team. “I cannot answer this question right now,” Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation said on Monday night. |
| “It’s down to weather conditions and our plan. We’ve set a plan for four but if we want to rescue five, those responsible will have to adjust the plan. We can’t overrule the diving team because it involves safety.” | “It’s down to weather conditions and our plan. We’ve set a plan for four but if we want to rescue five, those responsible will have to adjust the plan. We can’t overrule the diving team because it involves safety.” |
| How are they selecting the boys? The weakest or the strongest? | How are they selecting the boys? The weakest or the strongest? |
| This question has also been left to divers to decide, specifically the medics on the team. The only hint Osatanakorn has given as to the criteria of selection boys is a comment he made at Monday’s morning press conference. | This question has also been left to divers to decide, specifically the medics on the team. The only hint Osatanakorn has given as to the criteria of selection boys is a comment he made at Monday’s morning press conference. |
| Asked which boys would be extracted that day, he replied: “The perfect ones, the most ready ones.” | Asked which boys would be extracted that day, he replied: “The perfect ones, the most ready ones.” |
| He also said the boys freed on Monday were in “better condition” than those removed the day before – make of that what you will. Based on information from the health authorities, we can be pretty certain that the youngest boy - aged just 11 - and the 25-year-old coach remain in the cave. | He also said the boys freed on Monday were in “better condition” than those removed the day before – make of that what you will. Based on information from the health authorities, we can be pretty certain that the youngest boy - aged just 11 - and the 25-year-old coach remain in the cave. |
| “When [the first four] arrived, they went through all necessary health checks include blood tests, lung X-rays, heart, eye and mental tests,” said Dr Jesada Chokedamrongsuk, from the Thai ministry of public health. | “When [the first four] arrived, they went through all necessary health checks include blood tests, lung X-rays, heart, eye and mental tests,” said Dr Jesada Chokedamrongsuk, from the Thai ministry of public health. |
| The boys were set up with IV drips and antibiotics and given vaccines for tetanus and rabies. | The boys were set up with IV drips and antibiotics and given vaccines for tetanus and rabies. |
| “When the first group came, their temperatures were low,” he said. “Two of them showed irregularities in their lungs. One had a wound on the right ankle. | “When the first group came, their temperatures were low,” he said. “Two of them showed irregularities in their lungs. One had a wound on the right ankle. |
| “[But] now they have no fever and can do their normal activities,” he said. | “[But] now they have no fever and can do their normal activities,” he said. |
| “For the second lot of patients arriving last night,whose ages range from 12-14, they arrived with very low body temperature, and one of them had a low heart rate,” he said. | “For the second lot of patients arriving last night,whose ages range from 12-14, they arrived with very low body temperature, and one of them had a low heart rate,” he said. |
| “Doctors have treated the boys and now all of them are okay and cheerful. They talk normally. No fever. We’ve started giving them “medical food” this morning.” | “Doctors have treated the boys and now all of them are okay and cheerful. They talk normally. No fever. We’ve started giving them “medical food” this morning.” |
| The boys will miss the World Cup. Doctors have said they will spend at least seven days in hospital being treated after their ordeal, which means they won’t be able to take up the offer from the president of Fifa to attend the match in Russia next week. | The boys will miss the World Cup. Doctors have said they will spend at least seven days in hospital being treated after their ordeal, which means they won’t be able to take up the offer from the president of Fifa to attend the match in Russia next week. |
| According to a preliminary health check on the first four boys conducted yesterday, two had minor lung infections and one had a fever, doctors said. | According to a preliminary health check on the first four boys conducted yesterday, two had minor lung infections and one had a fever, doctors said. |
| Both were treated with antibiotics and were healthy enough to be joking around by the evening. | Both were treated with antibiotics and were healthy enough to be joking around by the evening. |
| The boys have seen their parents through glass, but not yet been able to touch or hug them. The hospital hopes they can have a conversation with each other over the phone today. | The boys have seen their parents through glass, but not yet been able to touch or hug them. The hospital hopes they can have a conversation with each other over the phone today. |
| The boys are still wearing sunglasses as a precaution after spending two weeks in total darkness. | The boys are still wearing sunglasses as a precaution after spending two weeks in total darkness. |
| Their diet has been upgraded from diluted porridge: they are now allowed bread and chocolate, their two requests on Tuesday morning. The doctors have emphasised that all are safe and healthy. | Their diet has been upgraded from diluted porridge: they are now allowed bread and chocolate, their two requests on Tuesday morning. The doctors have emphasised that all are safe and healthy. |
| We’ll have further details about the boys’ medical conditions shortly, from our reporters in Thailand. Michael Safi reports doctors are setting up a phone line so the boys in hospital can speak with their parents. | We’ll have further details about the boys’ medical conditions shortly, from our reporters in Thailand. Michael Safi reports doctors are setting up a phone line so the boys in hospital can speak with their parents. |
| From the information given by health officials, we are getting a clearer idea of who is out of the cave. | From the information given by health officials, we are getting a clearer idea of who is out of the cave. |
| It would appear the youngest child, Chanin Wiboonrunreung, and the coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, are still inside. | It would appear the youngest child, Chanin Wiboonrunreung, and the coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, are still inside. |
| Doctors have said the freed boys are between 12 and 16 years old: so we can assume the coach is still inside as well as the youngest boy Chanin Wiboonrungrueng, 11 #thamluangrescue @heldavidson | Doctors have said the freed boys are between 12 and 16 years old: so we can assume the coach is still inside as well as the youngest boy Chanin Wiboonrungrueng, 11 #thamluangrescue @heldavidson |
| This morning first four asked for bread and chocolate - and were allowed to have it #ThamLuangRescue @heldavidson | This morning first four asked for bread and chocolate - and were allowed to have it #ThamLuangRescue @heldavidson |
| The boys have a TV in the room but are not allowed to watch it yet for the sake of their mental health #thamluangcave @heldavidson | The boys have a TV in the room but are not allowed to watch it yet for the sake of their mental health #thamluangcave @heldavidson |
| Boys are still wearing sunglasses in the hospital room #thamluangcave @heldavidson But only as precaution | Boys are still wearing sunglasses in the hospital room #thamluangcave @heldavidson But only as precaution |
| The first four boys to be rescued have now seen their parents, and the other four will likely see their parents today, Michael Safi is reporting from the scene. | The first four boys to be rescued have now seen their parents, and the other four will likely see their parents today, Michael Safi is reporting from the scene. |
| The reunification was from a distance however - the boys are in hospital and only saw their parents through glass. | The reunification was from a distance however - the boys are in hospital and only saw their parents through glass. |
| Health officials have in the last few minutes provided an update on the state of the boys. The boys are generally health and safe, doctors said, but two are receiving treatment for “minor” lung infections. | Health officials have in the last few minutes provided an update on the state of the boys. The boys are generally health and safe, doctors said, but two are receiving treatment for “minor” lung infections. |
| It will be at least seven days before they are discharged from hospital. | It will be at least seven days before they are discharged from hospital. |
| Through a window - seen but not been able to touch @heldavidson https://t.co/80QVsTpkuF | Through a window - seen but not been able to touch @heldavidson https://t.co/80QVsTpkuF |
| The Australian foreign minister has flagged official recognition of the Australians assisting with the rescue effort once it is all over. | The Australian foreign minister has flagged official recognition of the Australians assisting with the rescue effort once it is all over. |
| Julie Bishop said on Tuesday the workers’ priorities were on the rescue, but once their “extraordinary” work was over there would be thanks given. | Julie Bishop said on Tuesday the workers’ priorities were on the rescue, but once their “extraordinary” work was over there would be thanks given. |
| “I am very proud that the Australian team have been able to play such an important and critical role in the rescue,” said Bishop. | “I am very proud that the Australian team have been able to play such an important and critical role in the rescue,” said Bishop. |
| “Dr (Richard) Harris, for a start, has been intimately involved in the health assessment of the boys. | “Dr (Richard) Harris, for a start, has been intimately involved in the health assessment of the boys. |
| “Our Australian Federal Police divers have been part of the daisy chain of rescuers. The Navy clearance divers have also been involved and we have crisis response teams on the ground.” | “Our Australian Federal Police divers have been part of the daisy chain of rescuers. The Navy clearance divers have also been involved and we have crisis response teams on the ground.” |
| Dr Harris went into the cave to medically assess the boys ahead of the dangerous rescue dives. | Dr Harris went into the cave to medically assess the boys ahead of the dangerous rescue dives. |
| Bishop said the Australian team - which included personnel from the Bangkok embassy - were working under the guidance of the Thai government and Thai Royal Navy. There were also several rescue teams from other countries, including the US, China, and Great Britain. | Bishop said the Australian team - which included personnel from the Bangkok embassy - were working under the guidance of the Thai government and Thai Royal Navy. There were also several rescue teams from other countries, including the US, China, and Great Britain. |
| Last night, Gen Buncha Duriyaphan, an army commander involved in this rescue operation, said he had been asking the god of rain for three days’ reprieve to get the boys out. | Last night, Gen Buncha Duriyaphan, an army commander involved in this rescue operation, said he had been asking the god of rain for three days’ reprieve to get the boys out. |
| They appear to have been granted two. | They appear to have been granted two. |
| Rain has bucketed down on Mae Sai all night and continues to fall this morning in torrential quantities. | Rain has bucketed down on Mae Sai all night and continues to fall this morning in torrential quantities. |
| The extraordinary rescues of the past two days have been predicated on “perfect” conditions, including weather and water levels in the cave, authorities have said. | The extraordinary rescues of the past two days have been predicated on “perfect” conditions, including weather and water levels in the cave, authorities have said. |
| It is unclear if this downpour on Tuesday will complicate today’s mission. We are talking to sources at the cave site and hope to learn more soon. | It is unclear if this downpour on Tuesday will complicate today’s mission. We are talking to sources at the cave site and hope to learn more soon. |
| It 6.50am here in Chiang Rai and it bucketed down rain overnight. Authorities said yesterday that heavy storms on Sunday night didn’t hamper Thai cave rescue efforts. Let’s hope it’s the same case today. @SBSNews | It 6.50am here in Chiang Rai and it bucketed down rain overnight. Authorities said yesterday that heavy storms on Sunday night didn’t hamper Thai cave rescue efforts. Let’s hope it’s the same case today. @SBSNews |
| There are reports that the Chiang Rai city hospital will provide an update shortly on the health of the eight boys already freed. | There are reports that the Chiang Rai city hospital will provide an update shortly on the health of the eight boys already freed. |
| In the meantime here are some numbers, put together by the Australian Associated Press (and so are a bit Australia-focussed but I’ll work on getting some stats about other countries’ involvement): | In the meantime here are some numbers, put together by the Australian Associated Press (and so are a bit Australia-focussed but I’ll work on getting some stats about other countries’ involvement): |
| 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach entered the Tham Luan Nang Non cave on June 23. | 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach entered the Tham Luan Nang Non cave on June 23. |
| It was 10 days before they were found. | It was 10 days before they were found. |
| To escape, they have to negotiate about 3.2km of dark, narrow passages by swimming and using scuba equipment and wading. | To escape, they have to negotiate about 3.2km of dark, narrow passages by swimming and using scuba equipment and wading. |
| It’s an 11-hour round trip to get in and out but divers have been doing it more quickly because many parts of the route are now drained. | It’s an 11-hour round trip to get in and out but divers have been doing it more quickly because many parts of the route are now drained. |
| Divers need up to 20 hours to lay air tanks and prepare the route. | Divers need up to 20 hours to lay air tanks and prepare the route. |
| So far there’s been one fatality - former Thai navy Seal Saman Kunan died while placing air tanks along the route. | So far there’s been one fatality - former Thai navy Seal Saman Kunan died while placing air tanks along the route. |
| There are 18 divers, five Thai and 13 foreigners, including Australians taking part in the delicate operation. | There are 18 divers, five Thai and 13 foreigners, including Australians taking part in the delicate operation. |
| The number of Australians helping with the rescue operation varies depending on rotations, but up to 19 are involved. | The number of Australians helping with the rescue operation varies depending on rotations, but up to 19 are involved. |
| The group includes six Australian Federal Police divers supporting the Thai Navy, together with a liaison officer and interpreter and Dr Richard Harris, a specialist in hyperbaric medicine. | The group includes six Australian Federal Police divers supporting the Thai Navy, together with a liaison officer and interpreter and Dr Richard Harris, a specialist in hyperbaric medicine. |
| A 100-strong support team is pumping out litres of water to stop more flooding in the caves. | A 100-strong support team is pumping out litres of water to stop more flooding in the caves. |
| Four boys were taken out on Sunday in 11 hours. | Four boys were taken out on Sunday in 11 hours. |
| Four boys were taken out on Monday in nine hours. | Four boys were taken out on Monday in nine hours. |
| Eight young members of the Wild Boars football team have been rescued after more than two-and-a-half weeks trapped in a cave in northern Thailand. In the second day of the long, complicated and high-stakes rescue missions, a second group of four boys emerged on Monday. | Eight young members of the Wild Boars football team have been rescued after more than two-and-a-half weeks trapped in a cave in northern Thailand. In the second day of the long, complicated and high-stakes rescue missions, a second group of four boys emerged on Monday. |
| “We are so happy that today we could rescue another four kids,” Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation, announced at a press briefing on Monday evening. | “We are so happy that today we could rescue another four kids,” Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation, announced at a press briefing on Monday evening. |
| All four were airlifted to a hospital in the nearest city, Chiang Rai. “Now they are fine,” he said. | All four were airlifted to a hospital in the nearest city, Chiang Rai. “Now they are fine,” he said. |
| Four fellow teammates and their coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, remain inside, with hopes that they will be rescued on Tuesday. | Four fellow teammates and their coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, remain inside, with hopes that they will be rescued on Tuesday. |
| Authorities would not make any guarantees, but the next operation is scheduled to begin at 4pm local time. | Authorities would not make any guarantees, but the next operation is scheduled to begin at 4pm local time. |
| We’ll bring you updates as the mission progresses. In the meantime read our latest full report from South Asia correspondent, Michael Safi, who is at Mae Sai. | We’ll bring you updates as the mission progresses. In the meantime read our latest full report from South Asia correspondent, Michael Safi, who is at Mae Sai. |