Thai boys trapped in a cave learn to swim and dive

CHIANG RAI – The 12 boys trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand learn to swim and dive to prepare them for the opportunity to dive, rescuers rushing to pump water from the cave before "We are teaching children to swim and dive," Deputy Premier Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters yesterday. If water levels drop and the flow weakens, the boys will be quickly out of Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai, he says.

"The water is very strong and the space is narrow.Taking the kids takes a lot of people," he added.

A team of medical staff and divers was next to the boys and their trainer, who were found by divers on Monday night and were trapped for more than a year. The group consists of Dr. Pak Loharnshoon, a graduate of the course. naval training, a nurse from the Royal Thai Navy's Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit and seven members of the Thai Navy. 19659002] A clip posted on the Facebook page "ThaiSeal" yesterday morning showed the group on a small mound inside the cave. Dr. Pak was seen applying medication for minor injuries to some boys

. The boys, aged 11 to 16, were able to communicate clearly with the group and appeared to be in good health. "Everyone can be relieved now because they are all in good hands with seven sailors," said Commander of the Seals Rear Admiral Arpakorn Yukongkaew

"There will be food and medicine at all times for the footballers trapped. "

The boys would have come out of the cave when they would be mentally ready and physically fit for the potentially arduous journey of more than 4 km until the entrance to the cave, said the authorities

"All 13 should not go out at the same time. Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters yesterday: "If there are risks, then we will not extract them."

According to the experts, divers needed three hours to reach The boys and their 25-year-old coach were reported missing on 23 June. It is believed that they entered the cave when it was dry, and a sudden heavy rain blocked their way out.

They were provided with minerals, food, water and lighting. Their eyes have been in the dark for a long time and need to adapt to normal light.

An international team of rescuers, including six members of the Australian Federal Police Special Response Group, participate in the rescue operation.

The US Indo-Pacific Command also deployed about 30 people during the past week.

Some local businesses also offered their help. Jenvit Chaiyarat, a marine director at Mermaid Subsea Services, told the Straits Times, "We've come to see what equipment they need. Up to now, we have provided around 2,000 light sticks because they work well under unclear water. "

He said that the group would need equipment suitable for young and untrained divers

" The main challenge for divers would be to obtain a continuous supply of oxygen. I understand that diving into the cave is very difficult and that there will be places where divers must be in single file because they are very close.

The focus is now on water levels, rainfall forecasts and extraction procedures. Last Tuesday, some 120 million liters of water had been pumped out of the cave.

While it is urgent to rescue the boys, the deputy government spokesman, Weerachon Sukondhapatipak, warned against any pressure. they can not swim, so it will take time for them to adapt, "Reuters quoted the reporter as saying.

For comments, complaints or requests, contact us.