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Medical reports indicate the trapped Thai soccer team and their coach’s health may hinder further attempts to rescue them. Additionally, with the forecast for rain, there is an increased sense of urgency, according to CNN on July 5, 2018.
It has been nearly two weeks since the coach and his team, consisting of 13 members, found themselves trapped after their exploration backfired. They are suffering from malnutrition and exhaustion.
Joining the Thai Navy SEALS in the rescue are police divers from Austrailia; rescue experts from China; providing radio and communication services is Israel’s Maxtech Networks; the United States dispatched troops from the US Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM); both Laos and Myanmar sent rescuers and divers. The U.K. also sent personnel. Two of their divers were the first to locate the team nine days after they failed to emerge from the cave. One of the U.K. divers was recognized by the British Cave Rescue Council and bestowed an award.
According to a diagram provided by CNN, the teens were found 2.5 miles from the mouth of the cave. It appears there are several natural beach-type areas along the route taken by boys and four bodies of water, which are blocking the stranded team’s exit.
On July 4, divers discussed trying to teach the Thai boys, ages 11-16, to swim and dive using SCUBA gear. However, with the physicians’ reports of those trapped, it is unlikely the team will be strong enough to swim.
One hope is to successfully drain the Than Luang cave, which the rescue workers are currently attempting. The Weather Channel indicates a tropical depression is forming in the Pacific ocean. There is an 80 percent chance of rain within the next 36 hours. The possibility of additional flooding has workers rushing to avoid a tragedy.
ABC’s video shows the boys wearing silver thermal blankets that arrived with the medics and food. They appear to be optimistic. YouTube commenters extended prayers and good wishes for the Thai soccer team’s rescue.
This an ongoing story. The News School staff will provide updates as they become available.
Written by Cathy Milne
Sources:
CNN: Thai cave rescue: Boys and coach not well enough to attempt escape
NBC: Missing Thai boys, soccer coach all found alive in cave complex
The Weather Channel: BANGKOK NOI, THAILAND Forecast
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Rolston for U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License