Survival only the first battle underground

Science Editor

THE ordeal will take a huge physical and mental toll on the trapped boys and their coach, according to experts.

Trauma specialists said the group will have gone through a range of emotions, including denial, anger, despair, acceptance and bargaining, during the nine days before help arrived.

Cut-off from sunlight, their circadian rhythms may also have shifted to a 25-hour cycle, leading them to be confused as to how long they had been trapped. One of the first questions asked to their rescuers was “what day is it?” And although they appear to have access to air and water, poor sanitation in the cave could leave them in danger of infections. The lack of space in the cave could also make moving around difficult, meaning their bones may start to atrophy from lack of use.

And, to make the nightmare all the greater, large cave spiders scuttle along the cave floor.

Professor Mike Tipton, of the extreme environments laboratory at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The lack of space will stop them moving about, which is essential for cardiovascular function and bone health. That could prove difficult if they need to dive a long way to get out.”

Experts warned that recovering from the trauma would take many weeks after leaving the cave.

Dr Jon Goldin, vice-chairman of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “There is a high risk of PTSD and they are likely to have trouble sleeping, experience nightmares and have flashbacks. They may start behaving like younger children, needing more reassurance and becoming hyper-vigilant.”

However, some said the experience could end up having a positive effect on the youngsters.

Prof Neil Greenberg, a professor of defence mental health at King’s College London, said: “It may well be that many of the group will find it challenging to ‘return to normal’ when they are initially freed. However, chances are most will be fine, perhaps even psychologically stronger in the longer term.”