Operations suspended overnight for oxygen supplies and new preparations. Heavy rains have hit the region, increasing the risks of a "war against water and time". A team of 13 foreign divers and five Thai will guide the rest of the surviving group on the surface.
Chiang Rai (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Eight of the boys trapped in the flooded Tham Luang caves since June 23 are waiting for the resumption of rescue operations with their coach, one day after the first four of the group were taken safely to hospital .
The daring maneuver to bring the children back up to the surface, all aged between 11 and 16, was suspended by the head of the mission last night: oxygen supplies and new preparations were needed, which would require at least 10 hours.
The authorities report that the divers had to keep the boys close to their bodies to take them out and everyone had to wear an oxygen mask. Heavy downpours pounded the Chiang Rai province throughout the night, increasing the risks of what has been called a "war against water and time".
There are 13 foreign divers and five members of the SEAL unit of the Thai Navy that make up the main rescue team. It has the task of leading the boys to salvation through the narrow passages, many of them submerged, which three days ago claimed the life of a former diver of the Armed Forces. Some of the boys are not swimmers and no one has scuba diving experience.
The head of the rescue mission, Narongsak Osottanakorn, announced last night that the first four children were rescued. Even today there are no further official details of their identity or their medical condition.