At a press conference held just moments ago, Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn confirmed that four of the soccer team members trapped inside Luang Cave have been safely extracted, though rescue efforts have now halted and may not resume for some hours.
“The first boy came out of the cave at 5:40pm. The second came out 10-20 minutes later,” Narongsak said. “After we’ve given then an initial examination, [then] we sent them to the hospital.”
Two more followed at about 7pm, he added. But that appears likely all that will be removed from the cave this evening.
“We have used all of the oxygen,” Narongsak told reporters. “When will the next operation begin? We can’t say. Maybe in 10 hours.”
The four boys “clung [to the divers] and were brought out while wearing masks,” he explained. “Their masks are waterproof and allow them to breathe normally.” No further details of their diving apparatus was provided.
“At 9pm, we’ve called out all the teams for a meeting and evaluation of the mission.
“We apologize for not providing other details, but we confirm we’ve rescued four boys.”
After a dangerous 16-day rescue mission that saw one experienced diver die only Friday, officials today decided to launch the operation as the water level inside the cave had receded to its lowest point since the start.
Thirteen international divers and five Thai Navy SEAL members began the rescue operation at 10am.
We will continue to update this story with new information as it becomes available.
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