Thailand cave rescue: media banned from site amid speculation over mission to free boys - LIVE

[Equinox Moon]

Last edited Sun Jul 8, 2018, 12:10 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: The Guardian

Thai authorities have announced that the evacuation of the area has occurred so that a "rescue operation" can take place.

The announcement came as dark monsoon rainclouds loomed over the mountainous north of the country early on Sunday, potentially heightening risks at the cave where rescuers were still waging a "war with water and time" to save 12 trapped boys and their assistant coach.

Officials also announced that during the operation no one is allowed to take photos and if any unsuitable photos come out the person will be held responsible.

LIVE UPDATES AT LINK

*Divers arrived
*Medics arrived
*Elon Musk has devised a mini submarine (won't be ready in time)
*18 All-Star international divers have entered the cave. The best of the best.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/08/thailand-cave-rescue-operation-divers-trapped-boys-live

---

Amp up the prayers.

The world keeps vigil for you - the boys, coach and rescuers. Be brave.

[Demovictory9]

1. scary. want to hear good news soon

[Equinox Moon]

2. It takes the professional divers 5-6 hours to get to their location. This will take a while

[elleng]

3. 'Soon' not likely, imo;

too many hazards to overcome.

[George II]

4. Good luck, folks. Smart to get everyone not involved out of the area.

[Judi Lynn]

5. Thailand cave rescue: Officials appear close to launching rescue mission

By BEN TRACY CBS NEWS July 7, 2018, 7:25 PM


CHANG RAI, Thailand -- Officials say the massive operation to rescue the soccer team stranded in a flooded cave could begin soon -- if the torrential rains hold off. And inside the cave another problem: Oxygen is running out.

Thai officials appear close to launching their rescue mission, even though the young boys, ages 11 to 16, are weak from being stranded in the cave and are still learning to use the dive equipment they may need to escape the flooded cavern.

Narongsak Osottanakorn, the head of the rescue mission, says they will they will do everything they can to minimize the risk to the boys' lives.

They have furiously pumped water from the cave to lower the water level so the boys can escape without having to swim underwater. That dangerous journey killed a trained Navy SEAL Friday who passed out underwater while delivering oxygen tanks inside the cave.

More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thailand-cave-rescue-latest-updates-today-officials-appear-close-to-launching-rescue-mission-2018-07-07/

[underthematrix]

6. If it's still a rescue mission then they're probably using

classified technology from different countries.

It seems like it's still a rescue mission

[RandySF]

26. That's not why the press is banned.

Even here is the U.S., there's an unwritten rule about photographing kids.

[underthematrix]

27. They've shown picture of the children

[RandySF]

29. I mean dead children, my bad.

They don't want the press there if they have to bring out bodies.

[Demovictory9]

7. ...

[Equinox Moon]

8. Thanks for the chart/graphics.

It really is helpful to understand. How in the world did they get so deep into the cave? Wow!

[Takket]

21. that's what i keep asking!!!!!!!!!!

i know it filled due to a flash flood, but even with no water wasn't there a point where they passed the "choke point" and were 2 miles underground and someone said "damn, maybe we should think about turning around". WTF?????????????????????

[Demovictory9]

25. maybe got lost, not sure of direction. ??

[Demovictory9]

24. see graphic on lower leftside. entrance is on side of mountain, level with their location.

they walked horizontally into cave, not vertically down.

[Judi Lynn]

9. Yes, thank you, Demovictory9. Tremendous aid. n/t

[Raine]

33. Thanks so much for the graphic it

makes it easier to see how this happened.

[democrank]

10. What an incredibly dangerous rescue mission.

I hope everyone involved finds the strength and will to get out of there alive. Such a difficult time for everyone involved.

[Laffy Kat]

11. All of my worst fears rolled into one:

One of my children in danger, claustrophobia, drowning. If I were a parent of one of the boys, I would have to be sedated to unconsciousness until it was over. Hell, it's not even one of my kids and I want to be sedated NOW.

[montana_hazeleyes]

12. Laffy Kat, this is so incredibly scary.

It breaks my heart looking at the kids faces. I fervently hope they can all be safely rescued.

[backtoblue]

13. I feel the same..

I'm so scared for these kids.

[Chemisse]

19. I'm so afraid they will wind up bringing out dead children.

We can only hope for the best at this point. Certainly all possible is being done to get them out alive.

[backtoblue]

14. Press conference coming up per link..

Please please please let these kids come home safely.

[AdamGG]

15. Two summers from now, this will be a blockbuster action movie

Hopefully with a very positive ending

[sheshe2]

16. I can barely watch the hope on the boys faces.

I am terrified for them and the rescue team. My heart goes out to them all.

[backtoblue]

17. Divers have entered the cave, per the live feed

The governor said that the factors affecting the readiness for any rescue attempt are the weather, the water, and the readiness of the team the condition of the boys.

“Today is the peak of our readiness,” said Narongsak.

It is possible for divers to advance to the third chamber on foot. It’s not dry but it’s the lowest the water level has been, said the governor.

[backtoblue]

18. Rescue mission is underway, governor confirms

Rescue mission is underway, governor confirms

The rescue mission has begun, the governor has confirmed at a press conference this morning.

18 divers have been sent into the caves to retrieve the 12 boys and their football coach. The 13 people inside the cave have been informed and are ready and their families have been informed.

Medical teams have been rehearsing for three days and are ready to treat the group when they emerge.


From live link.

[lutherj]

20. I am cautiously optimistic that the boys will make it back. Being smaller than adults they

will more easily maneuver through the cramped spaces. Moreover, kids at their age are primed for adventure and challenges, yet don’t have enough real world experience to realize how dangerous it is. This is the age that kids learn to shinny up palm trees to collect coconuts, or pearl dive, or snow board or rock climb. They have some of the best divers in the world leading them and bonding with them, and they want to go home and they know the world wants them back. I don’t want to jinx anything and I’m holding my breath and knocking on wood, but I think they’re going to make it.

[Equinox Moon]

22. Your words are appreciated. Thank you.

[Jedi Guy]

23. I hope so.

Getting them out via buddy diving will be insanely dangerous. One moment of panic is all it'll take for something to go terribly wrong, and if I were in their shoes I know I'd be panicking already.

The whole world is watching. Here's hoping that we get to see a miracle, the feel-good story of the decade.

I still can't imagine what possessed them to go into the cave at all. Locals have said that it's common knowledge that the cave system is very dangerous. Teenagers frequently fall into the trap of thinking they'll live forever. I guess most of us did our share of stupidly dangerous things at that age.

[backtoblue]

28. I'm physically sick with worry.

I cannot imagine what their families are going through.

[Dopers_Greed]

30. They evacuated press?

Cue RW conspiracy theories.

And RW'ers complaining about the "cost" of rescuing them.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

31. As a former caver, I suspect their worst enemy will be...

the risk of panic, either due to exhaustion of claustrophobia. I've witnessed that panic both as a volunteer firefighter and as a caver, and the people can usually be calmed well enough for a safe exit. People who go into this mode usually get spacey and want to rush to the exit, sometimes hurting themselves in the process.

It would have been best if they could have been equipped with a means of communication with the boys during this trip to constantly reassure them. I'm sure they will have teams stationed along the way to reset their confidence and perhaps give them nutrition and water, and to eliminate waste if they must.

One advantage the boys have is that they are somewhat familiar with the cave, although it was dry when they entered. I also suspect that if any of the boys are prone to be highly claustrophobic, that would have been indicated during either their entry trip or during the 10 days they've been trapped and their adult leader would have noticed.

We wish them the very best of luck and may they all gain the serenity and strength they need for a safe exit. Looking forward to some good news in the morning! This brave international effort by the rescuers and support teams is very inspiring.

.............

[jb5150]

36. A question ...

Do you think it would be possible to sedate them in some way, or give them a mild anti-anxiety medication to calm them and keep them from panicking. Me personally, I would be scared shitless.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

37. I thought of that as well but...

I think they need to be conscious so they can react to water in their masks, getting hung on something, etc. Plus, the professional divers would not be able to drag them safely for that distance without their physical assistance, and they're saying much of the trip at this time will be made by walking.

And, just like in the fire service with self-contained breathing apparatus, they should be trained on controlled breathing techniques. However, some individuals cannot even deal with the confinement of a fullface mask.

However, it would make sense to give those prone to excess fears something to keep them calm, but doctors would have to make that call. I suspect they have done psychological profiles in all 13 trapped people by some of the doctors that have gone in to attempt to preempt any problems.

[Princess Turandot]

38. At the suggestion of the Brit rescue cavers, they brought in an Aussie MD...

...who himself is also a caver-diver, to evaluate the kids. He concluded that they could handle the situation.

Also, since they were found, Thai Seal divers have been staying in their chamber with them round the clock. That may contribute to their trust in their rescuers.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

39. Great to know and that's the way it's done....

in caving, diving and even in the military, fire and police services as well as hazardous industrial service work. Have a trusted buddy as a backup and never go it alone.

....

[Judi Lynn]

32. BBC updates:

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/44755093

[KY_EnviroGuy]

34. Guardian link and reflections of Thai Governor....

Thailand cave rescue: officials confirm rescue operation has begun – live

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/08/thailand-cave-rescue-operation-divers-trapped-boys-live

As he announced the launch of a rescue mission to free the children, the governor said:

Today we are most ready. Today is D-Day. Today at 10am, 13 foreign divers went in to extract the children, along with five [Thai] navy Seals. As we look at the weather forecast, a storm is coming and torrential rain is expected, then our 100% readiness will decrease and we will have to pump the water out again,” he said.

As for the kid factor, the kids are very determined and they are of high spirit. All 13 kids have been informed about the operation and they are ready to come out. They firmly decided to come out with us. The families of the kids have been informed and they agree with us.

We’ve rehearsed [the medical preparations] for the past three to four days. We even practiced with a real kid – practicing the position of O2 tank and the marking ... I assure you that we are very ready in this mission.

I ask you all to patiently wait for news and send support and wish them success.”

Full Guardian Report: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/08/rescue-thailand-cave-operation-boys-begins-divers

.............

[jb5150]

35. Even though I'm an atheist, I'm praying ...

[Judi Lynn]

40. Thai cave rescue: Divers enter cave to free boys -- Live updates

By Euan McKirdy and Hilary Whiteman, CNN
Updated 11 min ago6:10 a.m. ET, July 8, 2018

12 min ago
Diving expert: Cave diving 'one of the most dangerous things we can do'



Divers prepare to reenter the flooded tunnels.Royal Thai Navy


Butch Hendrick, a rescue diver and president and founder of Lifeguard Systems, told CNN's George Howell that cave diving is incredibly dangerous, and that even the best of the best can perish inside caves.

He said that in addition to "the problem of the narrow passageways ... and no visibility, cave diving is in itself one of the most dangerous things we can do."

He says in this situation there's a strong current and "trying to get them back out, we’re basically fighting a flood -- we’re working in an environment where the force is so great that (the rescue divers are) trying to figure out constantly how to make their bodies function through it, and continue to breathe," he says.

"Trying to pull themselves back along the line, and be able to carry the boys with them, is an enormous effort."

More:
https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/thai-cave-rescue-live-intl/index.html

[Judi Lynn]

41. Thai cave rescue: Operation resumes for remaining 8 boys, coach-- live updates

CBS/AP July 8, 2018, 8:54 PM

. . .

Anmar Mirza, national coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Mission, says the complexity of the rescue is off the charts.

"This is the most scary situation that a person could go through, said Anmar Mirza, national coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Mission. "You can't make a horror movie that would even compare... I've been involved in cave rescues for 30 years and I cannot even think of one that is this complicated."

"The trust factor between the children and diver makes it -- it's probably 90 percent of what gets them out of the cave," Mirza said.

An international team has taken shifts bringing them food, medical supplies and comforting letters from their parents. Their soccer coach even taught them to meditate to stay calm.

Updates:
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/thai-cave-rescue-operation-resumes-thailand-boys-soccer-team-2018-07-08-live-updates/

[Judi Lynn]

42. Medical exams to determine shape of boys after 16 days trapped in a dark cave

By BILL HUTCHINSON
Jul 8, 2018, 7:34 PM ET

The four youth soccer players, who were rescued from a cave in Thailand where their coach and eight teammates remain trapped for at least another day, are being evaluated at a hospital for everything from infections to oxygen deprivation and dysentery, medical experts said.

The medical exams for the four boys began before they even left the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in northern Thailand. Doctors and nurses at a triage camp set up just inside the mouth of the cave gave the boys quick physicals before they were sent to a hospital in Chiang Rai.

"In medicine, we always want to get an assessment of their current situation, hope for the best and prepare for the worst," said Dr. Jennifer Ashton, chief medical correspondent for ABC News.

The four rescued boys, who were trapped for 16 days deep in the cave, were safely retrieved from their underground tomb after a treacherous journey in which elite divers escorted them through narrow passages and flooded areas that required the use SCUBA gear to get through, before trudging through mud and waist-high water on foot.

More:
https://abcnews.go.com/US/medical-exams-determine-shape-boys-16-days-trapped/story?id=56442887

[Judi Lynn]

43. See the faces of the Thai boys whose cave odyssey captured the attention of the world

By CHRIS FRANCESCANI
Jul 8, 2018, 8:54 PM ET

These are the faces of hope that captured the hearts and prompted the prayers of millions across the world -- and drew dozens of the world’s most elite rescue divers to the Chiang Rai province of northern Thailand to risk everything to plunge into the depths of a pitch black cave and bring the boys back to daylight.

The boys, ages 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped on June 23 after exploring the depths of the Tham Luang Nang Non cave following a soccer practice game, but monsoon flooding sealed off their return route and prevented rescuers from finding them for nearly 10 days.

When they failed to return from their hike, Thai officials launched a massive search and rescue operation involving more than 1,000 people, including search and rescue specialists drawn from all over the world. Persistent rain complicated efforts to locate the group.

When they turned their attention to the Tham Luang Nang Non cave -- the longest one in Thailand -- rescuers had to navigate dark, narrow passageways filled with muddy water and rough currents, amidst the uncertainty of oxygen-depleted air.

More:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/faces-thai-boys-cave-odyssey-captured-attention-world/story?id=56444294

[Judi Lynn]

44. Thai cave rescue: Second phase of rescue underway -- live updates

CBS/AP July 9, 2018, 4:22 AM


The second phase is underway of the rescue of the boys and their coach trapped in a cave in Thailand, officials said. The rescue operation started around 11 a.m., and will take several hours.

The boys, ages 11-16, and their 25-year-old coach became stranded when they went exploring in the cave after a practice game. Monsoon flooding blocked off their escape and prevented rescuers from finding them for almost 10 days.

The four who were rescued were taken to a hospital in Chiang Rai for evaluation. Two divers were assigned to each child to help them navigate the dangerous, narrow passageways. The next phase could begin Monday after rescue teams replenish the supply of oxygen tanks along the route. It could take two to four days complete the mission, officials said.

On Friday, the death of a former Thai navy SEAL underscored the risks. The diver, the first fatality of the rescue effort, was working in a volunteer capacity and died on a mission to place oxygen canisters along the route.

More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/thai-cave-rescue-operation-resumes-thailand-boys-soccer-team-2018-07-08-live-updates/