Kids lost weight but ‘ took care of themselves’ in cave
Bangkok, July 11: The soccer teammates rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand lost weight during their 18- day ordeal, but had water while they were trapped and are in good health, a health official said on Wednesday.
The 12 boys and coach rescued over the three previous days “took care of themselves well in the cave,” Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, a public health inspector, said at a news conference at the hospital in Chiang Rai city where the group is recovering.
The four boys rescued Sunday can eat normal food and walk around, and the four pulled out Monday were eating soft food. Thongchai said one member of the final group of four boys and the coach who arrived at the hospital Tuesday evening had a slight lung infection.
Two of the first group had a lung infection as well, and Thongchai said they would need medicine for seven days.
The average weight loss was 2 kg for those with known information, Thongchai said. They were able to obtain water dripping inside the cave.
They entered the Tham Luang cave to explore it after a soccer practice on June 23, but rains filled the passageways, blocking their escape.
The 12 boys rescued from a Thai cave were passed "sleeping" on stretchers through the treacherous passageways, a former Thai Navy SEAL told AFP Wednesday, giving the first clear details of an astonishing rescue mission that has captivated the world.