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Trekkers discovered the point of potential access in the Pha Mee Hills above the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system and is now exploring the possibility that it connects with the caves below, in which group would have been trapped for almost a week.
The natural chimney, about 1.5 meters in diameter and at least 22 meters (72 feet) deep, was found north of the cave opening, where the boy's bikes were found last Saturday
. tunnels on top are "more promising" according to the British rescuers on the scene, as they deny a pbadage blocked by the waters.
Two British cave experts entered the fireplace on Friday morning, managing to descend to a depth of about 20 meters. Another climbing team will now relieve them. Although it is not the first natural chimney found on Pha Mee, it remains the most promising, according to search and rescue teams there. Earlier, trekking teams had found a vertical well that appeared to be entering the cave and dropping food and drinking water in case the group was nearby, said Thanya Netithamkul, Executive Director. National Park.
The terrain is difficult – mountainous and forested, which slows down teams looking for other possible entry points.
Alongside British caving experts who were brought into the search area, a US military search and rescue team also joined the rescue team, said Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn, Pentagon spokesperson.
"The US team provides experience and search and rescue capability to the already considerable efforts made by the Thai authorities and we hope that the players and their coach will be repatriated quickly and safely. "
16, and their 25-year-old coach has been missing since Saturday afternoon, when a park agent spotted bicycles near the entrance to the forbidden cave complex.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited the rescue site on Friday
Two theories
The boys and their trainer allegedly crawled into the large series of caves. through a narrow channel 15 meters (50 feet)
A sign at the entrance to the cave – a popular tourist attraction – warns of danger during the rainy season, which is just beginning.
The rescue teams are currently entertaining two theories about where the boy They could be, working from the starting point where their bags were found, at a fork to 3 kilometers (1 9 miles) from the mouth of the cave, deep into the underground tunnels.
They could have turned left or right at that time, but the Thai rescuers badumed that they were taking the nearest land, left – heading south.
British experts now wonder if they are well who would have taken them to the highest ground – heading north, where the chimney is explored.
Divers continue to work at the entrance to the cave and drilling is underway at several locations in the cave complex.
Pumps are also used to attempt to dissipate the water from the tunnels of the cave, rather than providing access.
Optimism subsists
Josh Morris, founder of Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures, who is familiar with the terrain, says that despite the ticking clock, there are reasons to "keep it up". to be optimistic about the survival of the group
"I am sure that there is still hope. the boys who have been in this cave, of wh I understood it, j & rsquo; Have been in the cave many times before, so it's very likely that they knew where they were going and that they could get to a safe place. "He told CNN's Connect the World .
"The problem comes from heavy rains that have hit the hills of northern Thailand in the last two weeks, there is just more and more water that continues to grow, so it's really the biggest challenge right now. " Boys' parents have gathered at the entrance to the cave, and many have been there since Saturday night, shortly after learning of the disappearance of their sons.
Some collapsed from exhaustion, and had to be taken to nearby hospitals. Others found support in group rituals, praying and giving offerings of food and flowers to spirits believed to inhabit the cave.
Even as the days go by, some family members remain convinced that they will be found alive and in good health. Sudsakorn Sutham, the father of a missing boy, Prachak, says that it is certain that the authorities will bring the boys home
"I feel the situation is getting better and better." He said he believed that his son's athleticism would help him survive in the caves.
"I'm so confident, 1 million percent because my son is strong, "he said." He's an athlete, he's a footballer. "
