Thai cave conditions improve as officials plan extraction attempt

Thai cave conditions improve as officials plan extraction attempt

The Thai governor in charge of rescuing 12 boys and their football coach from a cave says the co-operating weather and falling water levels over the last few days have created conditions for an attempted extraction of the group.

Narongsak Osatanakorn said authorities are waiting for two big groups of volunteer divers to arrive later on Saturday and Sunday, after which they will be ready to begin the operation of bringing the group out.

He said: “The plan that I’ve held on to from the beginning is that we have to bring the kids out and the determining factor of this plan is to have as little water as possible.”

But he said while floodwaters have drained as much as possible, “if it rains and adds to it again, we don’t know what other risk factors we will have to face”. He also warned about higher carbon dioxide levels in the cave.

Meanwhile, the football coach trapped in the cave with his team has apologised to their parents in the first letter sent out with divers.

The boys also wrote saying they are doing well and missing their families.

One wrote: “I’m doing fine, but the air is a little cold, but don’t worry. Although, don’t forget to set up my birthday party.”

Another, identified as Tun, wrote: “Mom and Dad, please don’t worry, I am fine. I’ve told Yod to get ready to take me out for fried chicken. With love.”

Handwritten notes by the children
Handwritten notes by the children (Thai NavySEAL Facebook Page/AP)

A boy named Mick wrote: “Don’t be worried, I miss everyone. Grandpa, Uncle, Mom, Dad and siblings, I love you all. I’m happy being here inside, the navy SEALS have taken good care. Love you all.”

Thai soldiers try to connect water pipes
Thai soldiers try to connect water pipes (Sakchai Lalit/AP)

Monsoon flooding cut off their escape and prevented rescuers from finding them for almost 10 days. The only way to reach them was by navigating dark, tight passageways filled with muddy water and strong currents, as well as oxygen-depleted air.

Rescuers are also pursuing other options to extract the boys, hoping that finding a shaft or drilling into the mountain in which the cave is located will lead them to a sort of backdoor entrance.

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