Four boys pulled out as cave rescue begins
18 divers in action for dangerous operation
FOUR boys have been removed from the cave in northern Thailand where they have been trapped for more than two weeks, the success coming hours after a rescue operation began.
Two ambulances were seen leaving a cave in northern Thailand on Sunday evening where 12 young footballers and their coach had been trapped.
The ambulances then drove to a nearby helipad, and a helicopter which had been deployed to take any rescued youngsters to hospital was seen taking off.
Thai navy Seals confirmed reports that four of the trapped group had been safely removed from the complex of caves. The operation to rescue the 12 boys and their coach by having them dive out of the flooded cave, where they have been trapped for more than two weeks, began yesterday morning.
Expert divers entered the sprawling complex for the complicated and dangerous mission.
Chiang Rai province acting Governor Narongsak Osatanakorn, who is heading the operation, said 13 foreign and five Thai divers were taking part in the rescue and two divers will accompany each boy as they are gradually extracted.
“Divers will work with doctors in the cave to examine each kid’s health to determine who should get to come out first,” the governor said.
The entire operation to rescue all 13 could last two to four days, depending on weather and water conditions, said army Major General Chalongchai Chaiyakam.
The only way to bring the boys, ages 11-16, and their 25-year-old coach out of Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Chiang Rai province is by navigating dark and tight passageways filled with muddy water and strong currents, as well as oxygen-depleted air.
A former Thai navy Seal died making the dive on Friday.
On Friday night the youth football coach apologised to the parents of the boys in a letter sent out with divers — the boys also wrote saying they are doing well and missing their families.
Ekapol Chanthawong, the coach of the Wild Boars football team, wrote: “To the parents of all the kids, right now the kids are all fine, the crew are taking good care. I promise I will care for the kids as best as possible. I want to say thanks for all the support and I want to apologise to the parents.”
One boy wrote: “I’m doing fine. The air is a little cold, but don’t worry. Although, don’t forget to set up my birthday party.”
The rest of the scribbled letters on pages from a notebook struck a similar message of love for parents and telling them not to worry.
The boys and their coach have been trapped since June 23, when they went exploring in the cave after a football game.