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Divers have begun the operation to rescue 12 Thai boys and their football coach, who have been trapped in a flooded cave for more than two weeks.
Officials on Sunday morning said that “today is D-Day” as they face a race against time to extract the children from the narrow Tham Luang cave complex before more monsoon rains arrive.
Chiang Rai acting governor Narongsak Osatanakorn said 13 foreign and five Thai divers were taking part in the rescue and two divers will accompany each boy as they are gradually removed.
The operation began at 10am local time, with authorities suggesting it would take at least 11 hours for the first person to be rescued.
Thailand cave rescue operation: in picturesShow all 100 1 /100Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The 12 boys and their coach in the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A rescue team stands in the entrance to the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A relative shows a picture of the boys after they were found on 2 July
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military inside the cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The 12 boys and their soccer coach who were rescued from a flooded cave arrive for a news conference in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand,
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The boys and their soccer coach rescued from a flooded cave play soccer
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The young footballers and their coach appeared healthy when they appeared before the media for the first time since the rescue
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Coach Ekapol Chantawong
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The 12 rescued members of the Wild Boar soccer team are greeted by their classmates on a mini soccer pitch
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescued Thai football coach Ekkapol Chantawong together with 12 children pays tribute to Thai navy diver, Samarn Kunan, who died whilst attempting to rescue the boys
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Twelve young footballers and their coach rescued from a Thai caves being treated in hospital
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescued soccer team members posing with a sketch of the Thai Navy SEAL diver who died while trying to rescue them
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Players writing messages on a drawing of former Navy SEAL diver Saman Kunan who died during attempts to rescue them
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescued "Wild Boars" football team members (top row L to R) Adul Sam-on, 14, Ekkarat Wongsukchan, 14, Phipat Photi, 15, Chanin Wiboonrungrueang, 11, (middle row L to R) Pornchai Khamluang, 16, Duangphet Promthep, 13, Peerapat Sompiengjai, 16, Sompong Jaiwong, 13, (bottom row L to R) Mongkol Boonpiem, 13, Prachak Sutham, 14, Nutthawut Thakamsong, 14, and Phanumas Saengdee, 13, recovering at the hospital in Chiang Rai province
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The life vest belonging to Duangpetch Promthep, the rescued captain of the "Wild Boars",
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Divers from the rescue mission, from left to right: Chris Jewell, Mike Clayton, Rick Stanton, Lance-corporal Connor Rae, Josh Bratchley, Gary Mitchell and Jim Way who helped to save 12 schoolboys and their football coach from a flooded cave in Thailand, speak to media after arriving back at London's Heathrow Airport
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Volunteers gather for a ceremony before the clean up operation at the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The last four Thai Navy SEALs come out safely after completing the rescue mission inside a cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. Thailand's navy SEALs say all 12 boys and their soccer coach have been rescued from a flooded cave in far northern Thailand, ending an ordeal that lasted more than two weeks.
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures People celebrate
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A woman lifts her child near the hospital, seen at left, as ambulance transporting members of the children's football team arrives
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Volunteers react after hearing all boys were rescued
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue personnel work at the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue personnel work at the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Onlookers at the junction in front of Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital watch and cheer
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Journalists celebrate after a news conferenc
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures An ambulance, reportedly carrying members of the rescued football team, arrives at a hospital
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai Navy divers in the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue personnel work at the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai media listen Chiang Rai province acting Gov. Narongsak Osatanakorn
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Police and military personnel use umbrellas to cover a stretcher near a helicopter and an ambulance at a military airport in Chiang Rai as rescue operations continue for those still trapped inside the cave in Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in the Mae Sai district. Four boys among the group of 13 trapped in a flooded Thai cave for more than a fortnight were rescued on July 8 after surviving a treacherous escape, raising hopes elite divers would also save the others soon
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military medical personnel walking inside a restricted area as preparations are made to transport rescued boys from Tham Luang cave to a hospital
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai authorities placing a rescued boy in an ambulance
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Paramedics, believed to be carrying a boy who has been evacuated after being trapped inside a flooded cave, approach a helicopter in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai Tourist Police via Reuters
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures This frame grab from video tweeted by Elon Musk shows a "tiny kid-sized submarine" being tested in a pool at Palisades Charter High School, in California. Musk's Space X rocket company tested the submarine that could potentially help rescue the remaining children and their coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.
Elon Musk via AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military personnel preparing to move the boys to a hospital
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Emergency workers carrying one of the boys rescued from the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai nurse walks past an ambulance at a covered area of the Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Indian schoolchildren hold placards and pictures during a prayer event for the safe rescue of young football players and their coach
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures An ambulance exits from the Tham Luang cave area
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A military helicopter carrying rescued schoolboys approaches to land at a military airport in Chiang Rai.
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A group of volunteers prepare to leave in search of alternative entry points to the Tham Luang cave area
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai soldiers drag a water pipe to bypass water from the mountain and to not get back inside the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Hundreds of rescuers with equipment continue the rescue operation
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Monks lead out family members of the boys from the cave site after a morning prayer
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai rescue workers take a break
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Water pumps push water out of the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives, of the 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach trapped inside a flooded cave in the Tham Luang cave complex cook, for rescue workers and volunteers near the cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue teams carry water pipes to the entrance of cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai soldiers and police officers are seen as rescue operations continue for the 12 boys and their football team coach trapped in Tham Luang cave at Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province on July 7, 2018. More than 100 chimneys are being drilled into the mountainside in a frantic bid to reach a Thai youth football team trapped in a cave complex below, the head of the rescue mission said on July 7
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Family members pray in front of a Buddhist statue near a cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand Saturday, July 7, 2018. The soccer coach trapped in a cave with 12 Thai boys apologized to their parents in the first letter he and the team have sent out through divers, in which the boys say they're doing well and missing their families
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military inside the cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Australian Federal Police and Defense Force personnel talk with a Thai diver
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A rescuer prepares a light for diving to reach the 12 boys and their soccer coach
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Soliders are seen near the Tham Luang cave complex, where 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach are trapped inside a flooded cave, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Water is pumped from a flooded cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai rescuers rest during the ongoing rescue operation
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military personnel inside a cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue teams assemble at the entrance to the Tham Luang cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai Navy soldiers in the flooded Tham Luang cave during rescue operations
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Local Thai National Park Rescuers relax at base camp
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Journalists work near Tham Luang cave complex
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai policeman guards an area under rainfall
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai policeman guards an area under rainfall near the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Divers gather before they enter to the Tham Luang cave, where 12 boys and their soccer coach are trapped, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military bring water pumps to the cave. Videos released by the Thai Navy SEAL shows that the boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach are in good health in Tham Luang Nang Non cave and the challenge now will be to extract the party safely.
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures An honour guard holds up a picture of Samarn Kunan, 38, a former member of Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit who died working to save 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped inside a flooded cave, at an airport in Rayong province
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Military personnel are seen in front of the Tham Luang cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The former navy SEAL diver, Saman Kunan, who died trying to help save the trapped boys
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue workers convene behind a large pile of oxygen tanks
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Buddhist monk leads military honor guards carrying a flag-draped coffin containing former Thai Navy Seal Petty Officer 1st class Saman Kunan, who died in the ongoing Tham Luang cave rescue operations, during a repatriation ceremony at Mae Fah Luang international airport.
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai students pray for the ongoing rescue operations
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai soldiers and police officers pay their respects as a Thai Navy plane carrying the body of Saman Kunan takes off
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue workers prepare frogsuits for soldiers
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The diver's death raises serious doubts over the safety of attempting to bring the 12 boys and their football coach out through the cramped, waterlogged passageways of the Tham Luang cave.
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Family members pray before a shrine in Tham Luang cave area
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A family member prays before a shrine in Tham Luang cave area
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai rescue teams use headlamps to enter a pitch-black cave complex where 12 boys and their soccer coach went missing, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, Monday, July 2, 2018. The group was discovered late July 2 after 10 days totally cut off from the outside world, and while they are for the most physically healthy, experts say the ordeal has likely taken a mental toll that could worsen the longer the situation lasts.
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The mother of a trapped child reacts during the ongoing rescue operations
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Family members pray before a shrine in Tham Luang cave area
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Grandmother Kham-aoey Promthep, 64, shows a photograph of her grandson, Duangpetch Promthep, who is one of 13 members
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai student shows an image of her classmate Panumas Sangdee, who is one of 13 members of a soccer team trapped
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Buddhist monk Kruba Boonchum visits the site to perform religious rituals
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visits the site
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures British cave-divers (from left to right) Richard William Stanton, Robert Charles Harper and John Volanthen join the rescue effort
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Divers prepare for the rescue mission
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A rescuer enters the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The father of one of the missing boys thanks soldiers after the boys are found
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives celebrate after they hear that the boys have been found
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives pray after they hear that the boys have been found
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives celebrate after they hear that the boys have been found
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures General Bancha Duriyaphan announces the news to the press
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures With the rescue mission still ongoing, Thai soldiers carry equipment into the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures With the rescue mission still ongoing, Thai soldiers carry equipment into the cave
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Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Water is being pumped out of the flooded cave complex in an effort to make the rescue easier
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The expert divers have been clocked at about 11 hours for the round trip – more than a mile each way.
Meanwhile, the boys – some of whom it is believed cannot swim – have been learning to use underwater breathing apparatus since they were first located on July 2.
“I assure you that they are physically and mentally ready to come out, no matter what challenges lie ahead,” the governor said.
Authorities reported that water levels inside the cave network, which stretches some six miles into Doi Nang Non mountain, are at their lowest in days, with the divers now able to walk through the previously flooded areas known as Chambers 1, 2 and 3.
Authorities had said that incoming monsoon rains that could send water levels in the cave rising, coupled with falling oxygen levels in the enclosed space, added to the urgency of getting those trapped out.
Earlier efforts to pump out water from the cave have been set back every time there has been a heavy downpour.
Mr Narongsak said Saturday that experts told him water from new rain could shrink the unflooded space where the boys are sheltering to just 10 square metres (108 square feet).
“I confirm that we are at war with water and time from the first day up to today,” he said Saturday.
“Finding the boys doesn't mean we've finished our mission. It is only a small battle we've won, but the war has not ended.
“The war ends when we win all three battles — the battles to search, rescue and send them home.”
Efforts to save all 13 people trapped in the cave could last between two and four days, depending on weather and water conditions, Thai army major general Chalongchai Chaiyakam said.
The only way to remove the team is through a series of narrow, waterlogged passageways, where visibility is poor.
The route is challenging for even the most experienced divers and a former Thai Navy Seal died on Friday trying to make his way through the tunnels.
Thai police officers proceed on the traffic to clear the area in front of the cave during the 'D-Day' for the ongoing rescue operation (EPA) An update Saturday from the Thai navy said three Navy Seals were with the boys and their coach, one a doctor.
The 13 were having health evaluations and rehabilitation, and were being taught diving skills. Food, electrolyte drinks, drinking water, medicine and oxygen canisters have been delivered to them.
A major concern of the rescuers is that oxygen levels in their safe space could fall dangerously low.
Rescuers have been unable to extend a hose pumping oxygen all the way to where the boys are, but have brought them some oxygen tanks.
Additional reporting by AP
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