It’s been two weeks since twelve young boys and their soccer coach became trapped in a 6 mile long cave in Thailand. Today, Thai authorities confirmed that four of the boys have been rescued by Thai Navy Seals.
The first two boys were rescued at 5:40 and 5:50 p.m. local time and later taken to a nearby hospital. Then at 7:40 and 7:50 p.m., the third and fourth boys were rescued. (Those who were rescued were chosen based on health assessments.)
In order to rescue one boy, they must be accompanied by two divers, following a guide rope. However, parts of the cave are so narrow that oxygen tanks must be removed from the divers’ backs, which is an advanced skill even for highly experienced divers. Not to mention that the boys have no diving experience and cannot swim.
Although water levels in the cave have dropped allowing these first rescue attempts, the operation still remains dangerous even for experienced divers. On top of that, bad weather conditions could also threaten the operation.
Despite these challenges though, hopes remain high that they will all be rescued in due time. The operation is set to resume Monday after rescue teams replenish oxygen supplies and another strategy meeting is held this evening.
In a press conference, Nidhi Prakash explained, “We have to ensure that everything, all conditions, are stable as it is today and then we will start the next one.” It is said that 90 heroic divers are involved in the operation, 40 of which are Thai and 50 of which are foreign, all coming together to save the remaining 8 boys and their coach.
