Divers search for 12 children trapped in flooded Thai cave
MILITARY divers, two heat-seeking drones and an underwater robot have all been deployed in the search for 12 children and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.
British caver Vern Unsworth, who is familiar with the three-mile long (5km) Tham Luang cavern, also reportedly joined rescuers who have been trying to reach the group since Saturday. Yesterday officials said they had found a previously undiscovered opening in a section of the cave through which they hoped to airlift food and rescuers.
“If we find them, the first thing is to provide first aid and food before thinking of how to bring them up,” said Gen Anupong Paochinda, the interior minister. “We will not stop, we will work 24 hours. We’re racing against time and we want them to be safe.”
The boys, aged between 11 and 16, are believed to have retreated into the back of the cave in northern Chiang Rai province after heavy monsoon rain fell and flooded the entrance.
As the team’s anxious parents gathered outside the cave, electricians worked through the night to provide light and ventilation for divers who are facing flood waters rising up to 21ft inside the underground complex.
Some relatives prayed where the missing boys’ bicycles, backpacks and football boots still lay outside the cave while others called out for those who were missing.
“My son, come on out! I am waiting for you here!” cried one mother.
Namhom Boonpiam, whose son, Mongkol, 13, was among the group, said she had been waiting there since Saturday night.
“I haven’t slept and I hope all of them come out safe and sound,” she told the Bangkok Post.
The caves are generally considered off limits during the rainy season. However, tourists trapped there by past floods have survived.
“We are still optimistic they are alive,” said Prawit Wongsuwon, the deputy prime minister.