Cave search for Thai boys complicated by wet weather
Rain yesterday continued to complicate the search for 12 boys and their football coach who have been missing in sprawling caves in northern Thailand for four days.
At the entrance to Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Chiang Rai province, officials brought in large hoses and more water pumps. Navy Seal divers who have been working their way through the complex said water levels were rising in some parts at a rate of 15cm an hour.
The elite divers leading the search have been seriously handicapped by muddy water that has filled some chambers. He said the divers can proceed only when enough water is pumped out so there is space between the water and the ceiling.
The boys, aged 11 to 16, have been missing since their 25-year-old coach took them to the cave complex on Saturday after a practice match. Officials have said they believe they are still alive.
Parents have been waiting in tents outside the cave entrance.Bikes, backpacks and football boots the boys left behind remained nearby.
Authorities have said footprints and handprints were found inside the cave complex, as well as other items thought to belong to the boys. They noted that tourists trapped there by past floods have been rescued after the waters receded.
The cave can flood severely during the rainy season, which runs from June to October. —AP