4 more Thai boys rescued, in good health

A total eight of the boys trapped in a cave in northern Thailand have been rescued, and a third operation is under way to rescue four more boys. The first eight boys rescued are in good mental and physical health, according to a government official. The boys, who were evacuated over the past two days, […]

A total eight of the boys trapped in a cave in northern Thailand have been rescued, and a third operation is under way to rescue four more boys.

The first eight boys rescued are in good mental and physical health, according to a government official.

The boys, who were evacuated over the past two days, have undergone X-rays and blood tests. Two have been treated for lung inflammation.

They will remain under observation in hospital for at least seven days.

The mission re-started on Tuesday morning, with divers hoping to bring out the rest of the group.

Four of the boys and their football coach are still deep in the Tham Luang cave. They are with a doctor and Thai Navy Seal divers who have been looking after them and, if conditions allow, nine people in total will come out in what officials hope will be the last day of the mission.

The latest stage in the rescue effort kicked off just after 10:00 local time (03:00 GMT), with 19 divers making their way into the cave.

The football team became trapped on 23 June after heavy rains caused flooding. They were found last week by divers.

The first group of four boys were rescued on Sunday, followed by four more on Monday.

Some of the boys had low temperatures, with one showing a low heart rate when they were first taken to hospital, but have now recovered.

Health officials say they were at first given instant food and energy gels but are now eating easy-to-digest food. They also say some of the boys have now seen their parents – but only through glass.

Further test results are expected in a few days and if all signs of infection have cleared, families will be allowed to visit. However, they must don protective clothing and cannot go closer than 2m (6ft).

The boys also have to wear sunglasses after being in a state of darkness for more than two weeks.

A team of 90 expert divers – 40 from Thailand and 50 from overseas – have been working in the caves.

They have been guiding the boys through darkness and submerged passageways towards the mouth of the Tham Luang cave system.

Getting to and from where the boys are has been an exhausting round trip, even for the experienced divers.

The process includes a mixture of walking, wading, climbing and diving along guide ropes already in place.

Wearing full-face masks, which are easier for novice divers than traditional respirators, each boy is being accompanied by two divers, who also carry his air supply.