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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
. the tunnels on the top are "more promising" according to the British rescuers on the scene, as they pass a passage 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.
Thermal imaging drones are also used to search the hilly terrain above the cave system. Earlier, trekking teams had found a vertical well that appeared to be coming into the cave and dropping food and drinking water in case the group was nearby, said Thanya Netithamkul, chief executive of the team. National Park.
The terrain is difficult – mountainous and forested, slowing down teams looking for other possible entry points, and rains in this region have been "relentless", according to the meteorologist of CNN, Derek Van Dam.
"It's the southwestern monsoon and the rains continue to come," he says further complicating relief efforts.
"The United States team offers an experience and ability to search and rescue to the already considerable efforts made by the Thai authorities.I hope the players and their coach will be repatriated quickly and safely. "
The boys, aged 11 to 16, and their coach of 25 years are missing since Saturday afternoon when a park agent spotted bicycles near the entrance
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited the relief site Friday , meeting with officials and families of boys, urging rescuers to act quickly, but with caution, particularly regarding the introduction of electrical systems to allow water pumps to operate.
Two Theories
It is believed that the boys and their trainer crawled into the large series of caves through a narrow 15 meter (50 foot) channel
A sign at the entrance to the cave – a popular tourist attraction – warns of danger during the rainy season, which has just begun.
The rescue teams are currently entertaining two theories about where the boys might be. were found, at a fork 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 assumed 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 try to dispel the water from the tunnels of the cave, rather than to allow access to them.
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 going. 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. "
CNN's Kocha Olarn reported from Chiang Rai in Thailand, while that Euan McKirdy wrote and reported from Hong Kong.
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