Thai divers put air tanks into the cave, preparing for the second rescue

A rescue team of 40 Thai divers and 50 foreign divers is racing against time to bring the remaining members of the Wild Boars soccer team out of Tham Luang cave, according toStraits Times.

Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn said divers were replacing oxygen tanks and maintaining equipment in the rescue system along the 5km exit route in the cave before the next rescue operation.

"We worked continuously throughout last night," a Chiang Rai provincial government source toldAFPThis morning. After successfully rescuing the first four people on the night of July 8, all the oxygen tanks in the cave were empty.

Although authorities have not confirmed when the rescue operation will begin, according to BBC reporters, the activities outside Tham Luang cave at this time show that the rescue operation is about to take place. At least 7 ambulances are alsowaiting outside the cave, ready to take action when the boys were brought out.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a television interview this morning that she believed the nine people still trapped in the cave would be brought out in groups of four, meaning two more rescue operations would be needed.

Australia has sent a 19-strong team to join the dangerous rescue mission in Thailand. Australian divers were involved in the successful rescue operation yesterday, Foreign Minister Bishop added.

The Wild Boars soccer team and their coach have been trapped in Tham Luang cave since June 23. Thai authorities began a rescue operation to rescue 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 were rescued later. All 4 are currently in stable condition.

Bangkok PostThe coach was among the first four people rescued due to his failing health, but there is no confirmation yet.