Rescue Mission Continues for Football Players Trapped in Chiang Rai’s Tham Luang Cave

 

CHIANG RAI – Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn told a press briefing today that Navy Seal divers in flooded Tham Luang cave were within 500 metres of a chamber that they believe has provided refuge for the 12 boys and their football coach, trapped in flooded Tham Luang cave for more than a week.

Progress has been slowed as divers need to widen parts of a narrow 100 metre stretch — with sharp bends — that they were unable to pass through without their air cylinders becoming jammed, he said.

“We are exploring 11 potential shafts, he deepest one is 200 metres. If it goes down through, we will be very lucky,” the Chiang Rai governor said.

Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn also quashed rumors that the rescue team have found the missing 12 members and their assistant coach. The rumors spread as SEAL teams are closing in on a location called ‘Pattaya Beach’ where the missing team members are believed to have taken shelter.

He said that he will certainly hold a press conference right away if the missing group is found.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said in Bangkok that rescuers hoped to reach ‘Pattaya Beach’ Monday — but the strong water current in the narrow passage presents a major obstacle.

The massive rescue effort has been hampered by heavy rains that flooded the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand, blocking access to chambers where it is hoped the group will be found alive.

Almost 14,000 rai of farmland around Tham Luang has been flooded as rescuers continue pumping out water to help divers reach the 13 footballers stranded in the cave.

Meanwhile, classmates of 12 boys trapped in the flooded Thai cave spoke of their hopes for a miracle rescue, as divers inched through thick mud, water and winding crevices towards an air pocket where the group is believed to be.

Tilek Jana, whose friend Prajak is among the missing, said he was eagerly awaiting his return. “Let him come and let’s play (football) together, I miss him,” he said.

Principal Kanet Pongsuwan of Mae Sai Prasitsart school, which is attended by six of the missing boys, said it had been a painful week. “We chant and pray and send our support to them to give them power to wait for help to arrive.

The 12 football players and their 25-year-old assistant coach went into the cave on June 23 after a training session and got stuck when heavy rains cut them off from the entrance.

Rescuers found their bicycles, football boots and backpacks near the cave’s entrance and discovered handprints and footprints further in.

But those are the only signs of the boys so far and no one knows if they are still alive.

They likely have access to fresh water inside the cave and officials believe they brought snacks with them and possibly headlamps too.

Even without food, experts have said young, athletic boys could survive for several weeks if they are not injured — and don’t attempt to escape through deep floods.

Yet it remains a perilously urgent rescue.

Officials have dropped survival kits with food, medical supplies and a cave map into a crevice in the hope that some of the relief will reach the boys.

At 10 kilometres long, Tham Luang cave is one of Thailand’s longest and one of the toughest to navigate, with its snaking chambers and narrow passageways.

A sign outside the site warns visitors not to enter the cave during the rainy season between July and November.

By Geoff Thomas