Thailand cave rescue: Race against thee clock as monsoon storm looms
The group have been trapped since June 23, when flash flooding poured into the Tham Luang Nang Non cave northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai while they were exploring after football practice. Rescue divers incredibly found the group ten days in, just when all hope was fading. The “miracle” was celebrated as the world watched the rescue efforts on tenterhooks. Now, the boys and the brave rescue crew trying to free them have to face a difficult reality: getting them out isn’t going to be easy - and more rain is coming.
Today, rescue divers began teaching the boys - none of whom can swim - how to use SCUBA diving gear. The three-hour swim is challenging even for the two British divers who found them, who are among the best in the world. Those who are making their way in and out to see the boys are being left with cuts and bruises as they navigate the dark, narrow tunnels. However, it might be the only option to get the boys out before more water floods in.
EPA Thailand cave rescue: New footage has emerged of the group
Hundreds of Thai soldiers and police are being airlifted into the dense jungles on the mountain above the cave to search for any other access points. Ruengrit Changkwanyuen, a coordinator of the international cave diving team that located the boys on Monday night, said the boys are on high ground and safe from flash flooding. For now. “But rescuers have to work quickly because by Friday a storm is coming, and if the rain starts again the cave is going to be fully flooded,” he added. “If that happens it will be almost impossible to send supplies or keep in touch with them.”
Getty Thailand cave rescue: The rescue base where crews are working round the clock
The preferred escape method currently is to pump enough water out of the cave so the boys can get out without having to be totally submerged. Currently, efforts have been aided by the unseasonably dry weather but with the storm approaching on Friday, tensions on site are running high. The boys, however, appear in good spirits. New footage has emerged of the group, aged between 11 and 16, being treated by a doctor who spent last night with them.
Getty Thailand cave rescue: Rescue divers incredibly found the group ten days in