Thailand meets to discuss new plan to rescue 9 trapped boys
Thai authorities met this morning to discuss the best plan and time to rescue the nine teenagers still trapped in Tham Luang cave.
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Thai officials discuss rescue operations outside Tham Luang cave. Photo: Straits Times. |
Thai Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said today that the rescue team will meet this morning to evaluate the rescue operation on July 8 and determine the best plan and time for a new operation, according toStraits Times.
Thai authorities said conditions on the first day of the rescue were "perfect" but there was no guarantee the weather would be as ideal today. The weather in northern Thailand was clear this morning but it rained overnight.
According to Minister Paochinda, oxygen tanks and other equipment will be replenished in the cave. The 90 divers who participated in yesterday's rescue will continue the new operation as changing divers could affect the rescue operation. However, the team needs time to rest before continuing the difficult and tiring operation ahead.
He also said that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will arrive at the scene this afternoon to rescue the young soccer team from Tham Luang cave.
The Guardian confirmed that divers have not yet entered the cave to bring the remaining nine boys out, but are planning to launch a new rescue operation soon. The news agency previously said the new operation would last 10-20 hours, possibly starting at 7am this morning. The international team is waiting for an announcement on a specific time.
Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, who led the rescue operation, said the operation was "unexpectedly successful" with the help of divers, military personnel, volunteers and residents who went to the scene to provide food for the rescue team.
The Wild Boars soccer team and their coach have been trapped in Tham Luang cave since June 23. Thai authorities began a rescue operation on the morning of June 8 to rescue the 13 people. After nearly 8 hours, the rescue team successfully brought the first teenager out of the cave. The remaining three, including the coach, were rescued later. All four are currently in stable condition.
