On June 23, twelve boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach disappeared into the Tham Luang Nan Non cave in northern Thailand.
The extensive cave measuring 10 kilometers long was blocked by monsoon rain, making search efforts a major challenge.
The 12 boys and their coach have now thankfully been located.
Sending food down
Local Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn confirmed to the BBC that the boys and the coach were found by navy soldiers.
Now a big effort is underway to pump water out of the cave and bring medical care to the stranded individuals.
“We will send food but it isn’t certain they can eat as it they’re been [there for so long],” Osottanakorn said at a press conference.
At the entrance to the cave, great cheers broke out as it was announced that the boys were found safe.
Entire country involved
The Thai government poured enormous resources into the search for the boys and their soccer coach.
The soccer club’s main coach Nopparat Kantawong, who did not participate in the team’s trip, has said that the boys had big dreams of becoming soccer stars. He was absolutely convinced that they would achieve their dreams.
“I’m sure they will not abandon each other. They will take care of each other,” he told the BBC.
All 12 boys and their football coach found alive after nine days missing in Thailand caves – regional governor https://t.co/0cFNbuol7W
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 2, 2018
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