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.
 |
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 July 8 rescue operation and determine the best plan and timing 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. Northern Thailand had clear weather 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 because 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 had not yet entered the cave to bring the remaining nine boys out, but were planning to launch a new rescue operation soon. The news agency had previously said the new operation would take 10-20 hours, possibly starting at 7am this morning. The international team was awaiting an announcement on a specific date.
Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, who led the rescue operation, said the operation had been "unexpectedly successful" with the help of divers, military personnel, volunteers and residents who came 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 for the 13 people on the morning of June 8. 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 4 people are currently in stable condition.
