AFP
Rescuers have begun a mission to evacuate 12 boys and their coach from the cave where they have been trapped for two weeks.
Teams entered the cave at 10:00 local time (03:00 GMT), operation chief Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters.
All non-essential staff have been cleared from the site near the entrance, leaving only diving teams, medics and security forces.
The boys were exploring the cave on 23 June when they were cut off by water.
- LIVE: Latest updates on the rescue
- How risky is the Thai boys rescue?
- 'I am dying to see him. I miss my son'
Thirteen foreign divers and five from the Thai Navy are involved in the rescue mission.
Chiang Rai governor says #ThaiCaveRescue is underway. “This is D-Day.” The boys are ready and willing to be brought out. “Their hearts are strong and determined”
End of Twitter post by @Beaking_News
The earliest the first boys could emerge is 21:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Sunday, according to officials. It is thought the whole operation could last several days.
Both the trapped group and their families had been informed of the plan.
It is unclear exactly how the boys will be moved but it appears that the journey will include some diving and walking in areas where the water level permits.
The initial part of their journey, through narrow, submerged passages, is the most challenging, the BBC's Jonathan Head reports from nearby.
It could involve long periods underwater for children who have never used diving equipment before.
The rescuers plan to rest them in a cave, which has been the forward base for the divers, our correspondent says.
They will then make the last, easier walk out to the entrance, and go from there to hospital.
The Thai Navy Seals posted an image after the rescue operation was announced, showing rescue workers holding each others' arms.
- Thai cave rescue: Boys and parents send letters of love and reassurance
- Thai cave rescue: The physical effects of being trapped
- Thailand cave rescue: Ex-navy diver dies on oxygen supply mission
- Thailand cave rescue: A community united in hope
- Thai cave rescue: What next for the trapped boys?
- Thailand cave: Hope grows for a daring rescue of trapped boys
- Mother of Thailand cave boy: 'I am dying to see him'
- Thailand cave: New video shows boys in good health
- Thailand cave rescue: The Brits who helped find the boys
No comments:
Post a Comment