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Questions raised about what will happen to the coach in Thai cave

Eight of the 12 boys trapped in a labyrinthine flooded cave complex in northern Thailand have been freed, however there are growing questions about the immediate future of their soccer coach – with the potential for more rain complicating the mission.

Four more boys were removed through narrow, submerged channels from the muddy bank deep inside the Tham Luang cave Monday (local time) where they had been stranded for more than two weeks.

Head of the rescue mission Narongsak Osottanakorn said the success of the first two rescue efforts meant the next would likely follow the same plan, meaning the 25-year-old coach could be required to spend yet another night in the cave.

“It depends on the plan… We have set the plan for four people so if they want to take five out (at the same time), then they need to change the plan.”

Police and military personnel use umbrellas to cover around a stretcher near a helicopter and an ambulance at a military airport in Chiang Rai. Surce: AAP
Police and military personnel use umbrellas to cover around a stretcher near a helicopter and an ambulance at a military airport in Chiang Rai. Surce: AAP
Thai rescue personnel are set up at the entrance of Tham Luang cave under floodlights. Source: Getty
Thai rescue personnel are set up at the entrance of Tham Luang cave under floodlights. Source: Getty

The mission which started Sunday is a race against the clock with heavy rain expected this week which would again flood the tunnels with fast-flowing, rising water.

The operation on Monday went more smoothly than on Sunday and took two hours less as the practice became more refined, he said.

But he added rescuers may need more than 20 hours, to replan and replenish oxygen supplies, to be ready to mount the next mission.

Then it will depend on the weather. Heavy rain has struck the region intermittently over the last three days and further downpours could set back draining efforts at the cave.

Four more boys are undergoing medical checks after being rescued from the cave. Source: 7 News
Four more boys are undergoing medical checks after being rescued from the cave. Source: 7 News

“As all of us said, the main thing is we still need more than 20 hours to get ready,” Narongsak said.

“And it is up to the environment. If the rain god helps us, then we may be able to work fast. But if the rain god doesn’t help, then it could be challenging.”

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha visited the cave to inspect the operation, with navy rescuers giving him a rousing cheer.

“The prime minister said that this kind of event should never happen again on Thai soil,” Narongsak said. “We should learn from this experience to prevent it from happening again.”

The team became trapped on June 23 when they set out to explore the cave after soccer practice and rains flooded the tunnels, trapping them inside. British divers found the 13 a week ago.

First four boys named

Monhkol Boonpian, 13, known to friends and family as Mark, was the first of the boys to be removed.

Monhkol Boonpian was the first boy to exit the cave. Source: 7 News
Monhkol Boonpian was the first boy to exit the cave. Source: 7 News

Minutes later, Prajak Sutham, a sports-mad 14-year-old emerged from the cave where he had spent 16 days.

Prajak Sutham emerged just minutes after the first boy. Source: 7 News
Prajak Sutham emerged just minutes after the first boy. Source: 7 News

Two hours later, Nattawoot Thakamasai, an 11-year-old asthmatic became the third boy to reach freedom.

Nattawoot Thakamasai, among the youngest in the group, was the third boy to make his way out of the cave. Source: 7 News
Nattawoot Thakamasai, among the youngest in the group, was the third boy to make his way out of the cave. Source: 7 News

Fifteen-year-old Pipat Bodhu, who was not even on the soccer team, was the last of the first group to emerge from the flooded cave.

Pipdat Bodhu was not even on the soccer team. Source: 7 News
Pipdat Bodhu was not even on the soccer team. Source: 7 News

Rescue has been immense

But the efforts to rescue the boys – aged between 11 and 16 – have proved a monumental challenge. Some are not even strong swimmers, and have had to learn to dive in conditions that claimed the life of a former Thai Navy SEAL on Friday.

Thirteen foreign divers and five members of Thailand’s elite navy SEAL unit make up the main team guiding the boys to safety.

Indian students hold candles and pray for boys and their soccer coach who have been trapped since June 23. Source: AP
Indian students hold candles and pray for boys and their soccer coach who have been trapped since June 23. Source: AP

Authorities have said the boys are being held close to divers and wear oxygen masks to enable normal breathing.

“The rescue has been immense,” said volunteer helper Somjit Saenset, 56. “I’m so happy the children came out safely. I want to send my moral support for all involved” in the rest of the mission.

Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the rescued boys. Some of the parents told Reuters they had not been told who had been rescued and that they were not allowed to visit the hospital.