Tham Luang cave rescue begins: what we know so far
Rescue workers near the Tham Luang cave complex, where an operation to free 12 schoolboys and their coach trapped inside a flooded cave has begun.Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Thai authorities have confirmed that a rescue operation is under way.
At 10am local time they sent 18 divers into the cave to bring out the boys – including 13 international divers and five Thai navy Seals. The former governor in charge of the rescue operation called the international divers “all-stars” and the Thai divers “five of our best”.
Water levels have dropped significantly since Saturday, and officials say that they are now at “peak readiness”.
Officials would not confirm if the boys would have to dive out of the caves,but said that water levels had dropped enough that much of the cave network was walkable.
It might take up to two days for all the boys and their coach to come out. The boys will be brought out one by one.
Officials said that they might stop and start the operation “depending on weather”.
The first rescued boys could come at 9pm local time on Sunday.
The children are said to be in high spirits and “ready to go”.The families have been informed about the plan and have also agreed.
Earlier today all media and non-rescue personnel were cleared from the cave site area.
The coordinator of the rescue efforts said rescuers were still in a “war with water and time” as monsoon rainclouds loomed over the north of the country early on Sunday.
The 12 boys and their football coach have been trapped inside the cave for 15 days now, after they ventured into the caves on 23 June and got trapped by rising waters.
They were discovered by British divers on Monday night after a nine-day round-the-clock search involving teams from all over the world.
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