The final two have been successfully extracted from the Tham Luang cave complex in Thailand on Tuesday (July 10), where a total of 12 boys and their 25-year-old coach had been trapped since June 23. This was the third consecutive day of a risky dive rescue that started Monday morning (July 9) local time. Rescuers extracted the first four members of the soccer team on July 8 and the next four the following day. Chiang Rai acting Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn said today that the rescue operation had gotten quicker as the divers have become more skilled and confident, the Washington Post reported. "I do expect all of them will come out today," said Narongsak, according to the Post. Reportedly, the press center nearby erupted in cheers. Before the rescued boys and their coach can finally be reunited with family and friends, they must stay quarantined in the hospital to ensure they didn't pick up any diseases in the cave complex. Caves, it turns out, are petri dishes for pathogens, Live Science previously reported. Eighteen divers reportedly entered the cave Sunday morning around 10 a.m. local time. (Many more divers, nearly 100, have reportedly been helping with the rescue operation.) The fifth boy was brought out late on Monday local time, while the other three followed by evening, the Washington Post reported. Conditions were reportedly as perfect as could be expected and the mission went faster than expected, Osottanakor said on Monday, according to news reports. Though many had said they considered a diving rescue a last resort, as the boys have no diving experience and some were malnourished and experiencing exhaustion from their time in the cave, rain began falling in the area on Saturday. Officials were concerned that monsoon rains, which were forecast over the weekend, would make such a rescue essentially impossible. "If we don't start now, we might lose the chance," Osottanakorn said Sunday, according to news reports. As water levels rise in the cave, the distance the boys would have to dive increases. [The Very Real Risks of Rescuing the Boys Trapped in a Thai Cave] Here's a look at how the divers and trapped soccer team will make their way out of the Tham Luang cave complex. (Image credit: Gal Roma & Laurence Chu/AFP/Newscom) The boys and their coach hiked into the Tham Luang cave complex when it was relatively dry, only to be walled in after monsoon rains triggered a flash flood. This past week, water levels have been declining in the cave, as the rain has held off and officials have continued to pump water out of the cave system. As such, the first few pockets the team will need to move through are now dry, according to a report by the Washington Post, which also reported that oxygen levels have stabilized (they were falling to near-dangerous levels). "The shorter the dive distance, the increased margin of safety," George Veni, executive director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute and president of the International Union of Speleology, told Live Science. "Also, air bells may develop along the way to create a series of two or more shorter dives instead of one long dive," Veni said, adding that "lower water levels means the force of the water is less." [Photos: Rescuers Race Against Time to Save Soccer Team Trapped in Thai Cave] Rescue workers are seen at the Tham Luang cave area on July 8, 2018; this morning, divers entered the cave complex on a risky mission to extract the team, one by one. (Image credit: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP/Getty Images) One of the big concerns with cave diving is the violently flowing water that can make a short dive risky for even an expert, said Edd Sorenson, a regional coordinator in Florida for the nonprofit International Underwater Cave Rescue and Recovery. (Sorenson is also the safety officer for the National Speleological Society-Cave Diving Section.) The Thai Navy SEALS were teaching the trapped soccer team the basics of cave diving, but as recently as Friday, Gov. Osottanakorn said the kids were not adequately trained to make the risky dive out. The team is reportedly holed up in a chamber about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) into the cave, with experienced divers taking about 11 hours up and back during delivery missions over the past week. "Diving in caves is very risky; it's very unforgiving. If something goes wrong, you can't go up for air," Veni told Live Science earlier in the week. "In case of an emergency, you may have to swim underwater for 10 minutes and do some underwater gymnastics to get through a narrow space and get up to air." Veni added, "You're in total darkness; essentially, you're swimming through mud." Each of the boys, who will wear full masks, will be paired up with two trained divers, tethered to the front diver, who will also carry the boy's air tank, with the second expert diver following up in the rear, the BBC News reported. The boys will not be diving the whole time, as parts of the cave are dry or not filled too high with water. About halfway along the 2.5-mile-long escape, the divers will need to squeeze through what is considered the toughest part of the operation, a narrow section called T-Junction in which the divers will need to take off the air tanks to make it through, according to BBC News. A cavern beyond that junction, called Chamber 3, is now a base for the divers; there, the boys reportedly will rest before making the walk to the cave's entrance. The entire mission could take two to four days, CBS News reported. This is an ongoing story, and Live Science will continue to update this article as news comes in on the rescue mission. Originally published on Live Science.<doc-sep>EMBED >More News Videos Elizabeth Hur has the latest on the soccer team trapped in the cave. SpaceX & Boring Co engineers headed to Thailand tomorrow to see if we can be helpful to govt. There are probably many complexities that are hard to appreciate without being there in person. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 6, 2018 SAN FRANCISCO -- As more monsoon rains are expected, Thai authorities say the 12 boys stranded inside a cave and their coach will not be imminently rescued because they do not want to risk the boys' lives. On Friday, Bay Area tech leader Elon Musk joined the conversation of how to safely rescue the group, saying he might have a solution and is sending help.Thai officials say the 12 boys stranded inside the cave are strong enough to walk but can't swim safely yet. Divers have been teaching them diving and breathing techniques.Mauritius Bell is a diving safety officer with San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. He has extensive cave diving experience. "It's extremely challenging to train someone in those conditions to dive, let alone cave dive," said Bell.Cave diving presents unique challenges. "By virtue of the fact that you have an overhead above you, which means that you cannot ascend straight up if you want to exit the cave, you have to go back the way you entered," said Bell.He went on to say, "It sounds like there are other options at play as far as coring down and then the Elon Musk solution. "Musk tweeted that he was sending employees from his companies SpaceX and Boring to see if they could help.He also tweeted suggestions like inflatable tubes and pods to create an air tunnel passageway underwater. "If Elon says it will work hopefully it will," said Bell.<doc-sep>HEARTBREAKING video emerged today showing a hero Thai cave diver vowing to “bring the kids home” days before his death delivering air to the trapped boys. Ex-Navy Seal Saman Kunan suffocated while trying to help 12 schoolboys trapped in a flooded cave system in northern Thailand. 24 The hero's coffin arrives at the airport following his tragic death in the cave in northern Thailand Credit: EPA The hero's coffin arrives at the airport following his tragic death in the cave in northern ThailandAnd footage filmed days ago shows the hero on his way to the scene, vowing: “See you tonight at Tham Luang. We will bring the kids home.” Saman's body is being brought back to his family today, and was given a hero's send-off at Mae Fah Luang Airport with full military honours. The brave 38-year-old's remains will be returned to his hometown in Roi Et for a royal-sponsored funeral, the king of Thailand announced. Military officers were pictured transporting his coffin which was draped in the flag of the South East Asian country. 24 The ex-military man said he was going to 'bring the kids home' before flying out to Chiang Rai 24 Diver Saman died from lack of oxygen in the cave network in Thailand 24 Time is running out for the group of young footballers who are being taught to swim and scuba dive ahead of their escape bid Credit: EPA 24 Saman's flag-draped coffin arrives at the airport to be taken home today Credit: EPA 24 A wreath and a picture of the hero diver accompanied his body Credit: AP:Associated Press 24 Soldiers carry Saman's body to a waiting plane Credit: EPA 24 Troops stand to attention and salute as the fallen hero's body is taken away Credit: Getty Images - Getty He died from a lack of oxygen as he attempted to swim back through the underground labyrinth to safety after taking oxygen tanks to the lads - who may have to make their escape in the next 24 hours because of their dwindling air supply. Experts say a devastating monsoon which could leave them stranded for four months is fast moving in — and rescuers warn "there is a limited amount of time". Aged between 11 and 16, the brave lads and their football coach, 26, have been inside the flooded Tham Luang network since June 23, after getting stranded during a reported initiation ritual. Heroic Saman lost consciousness on his way out of the Tham Luang cave and could not be revived by his colleagues. He had left the Navy last year, but returned just to help the rescue effort. What we know so far: The football team made up of 12 boys aged between 11 and 16 and their coach ran into trouble on 23 June They were visiting the cave network in Chiang Rai when monsoon rains trapped them deep inside They were found safe on Monday night by British divers, who discovered them huddled together on a ledge about 1.2miles inside the network They are all in reasonable health - one diver said they were "very weak, but alive" The military is sending in provisions to last them up to four months while they assess rescue options The children are being taught how to dive and have been given masks to practice breathing A Thai navy seal has died during the rescue mission from a lack of oxygen A devastating monsoon which could flood the cave and leave them stranded for four months is closing in 24 The elite diver had been laying oxygen tanks in the cave when he died Credit: Facebook 24 The last known picture of Saman before he lost his life in the cave 24 One of Saman's colleagues attempted to revive him when he collapsed in the cave Credit: Facebook 24 The death of the physically fit and highly-trained hero has heightened fears over the safety of the young boys Credit: Facebook Admiral Apakorn Yuukongkaew, commander of the SEALS unit, told reporters on today: "The conditions in the cave are tough." Explaining how the hero diver lost his life, he said: "Once he placed the oxygen tanks he became unconscious on his way back. "His buddy tried to administer first aid, when there was no response he tried to move him. "We won't let his life be in vain. We will carry on." Following Saman’s death, authorities have admitted for the first time that the stricken kids cannot wait in the cave until the rainy season passes in October. Officials said the window of opportunity to free the group is limited. The cave system in northern Thailand is losing oxygen as rescuers continue to try and deliver air supplies to the kids. A ventilation pipe, which is also being coached through, must reach the children today. 24 The young footballers could be lifted out through a secret passage instead of having to swim out Navy SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew said there is a “limited amount of time” left and little choice but to attempt the dangerous evacuation, reports News.com.au. The level of oxygen in the cave where the boys are trapped has dropped to 15 per cent from the normal level of around 21 per cent. “We can no longer wait for all conditions (to be ready) because the circumstance is pressuring us,” Mr Yookongkaew said. “At first we thought that we could sustain the kids’ lives for a long time where they are now, but now, many things have changed. We have a limited amount of time.” Chiang Rai deputy governor Passakorn Boonyaluck said: “It was sad news, a former SEAL who volunteered to help died last night about 2am. “His job was to deliver oxygen (in the cave). He did not have enough on his way back.” Chiang Rai provincial Governor Narongsak Osatanakorn said the level of oxygen in the cave had dropped because of the presence of hundreds of rescue workers. Authorities are now frantically drilling holes in the forest above the cave in a desperate bid to increase the air supply to the stranded group. Around 30 oxygen tanks have also been deployed in the area which is swarming with emergency workers and reporters. The boys have been taught how to swim and scuba dive as they prepare to take on the “unbelievably dangerous” route of paddling 2.5 miles through the tunnel's murky waters – a perilous journey which would take four hours. 24 A photo of the young Wild Boars football team Credit: supplied by Pixel8000 24 The boys are said to be frail and weak while most of the youngsters cannot swim 24 The mother of one of the trapped boys cries as authorities announce the death of the former Navy seal Credit: EPA Thai boys trapped in cave seen smiling and saying they're in good health in new footage They will be chaperoned through the pitch black cave network, filled with water likened to “black coffee”, by Brit diving experts as torrential monsoon rain showers are expected in the next day. SEAL commander Yookongkaew warned: "At first we thought that we could sustain the kids' lives for a long time where they are now, but now, many things have changed. "We have a limited amount of time." Described as "very weak, but alive" by a British team of rescuers, the schoolkids have been given plenty of protein snacks and energy gels in bid to build up their strength ahead of their escape. Meanwhile, heart-warming footage shows the schoolboys smiling while confirming they are in good health. 24 Thai soldiers prepare scuba diving gear and rescue equipment during the ongoing rescue operations Credit: EPA 24 Thai police at the command centre near the cave Credit: EPA 24 Rescuers check their equipment and oxygen tanks as rescue operations continue for 12 boys and their coach trapped at Tham Luang cave Credit: AFP or licensors In the clip, the children, many of whom are wrapped in foil warming blankets, introduce themselves to the camera while putting their palms together and giving a traditional "wai" greeting.<doc-sep>
THE trapped schoolboy football team may be forced to escape underwater because a torrent of floodwater is now imminent - even though the lads have been unable to master the diving equipment. Heavy rains could start in the coming hours and if waters began rising in the caves, divers would quickly fit breathing masks on to the 12 lads and begin their perilous journey. 6 Governor Narongsak Osotanakorn, who heads the rescue operation, speaks to the press Credit: Getty Images - Getty Earlier efforts to pump out water from the cave have been set back every time by heavy rain and a quick underwater evacuation now looks likely. But speaking outside the Tham Luang caves in northern Thailand, Gov Narongsak Osatanakorn, admitted the boys have not had enough time in the few days since searchers reached them to learn diving skills. When asked if they were ready to go, he said: "Not today because they cannot dive at this time." But torrential Monsoon rains could mean the children have no other choice but to try to use the breathing kit as they feel their way along the treacherous route to safety. What we know so far: The football team made up of 12 boys aged between 11 and 16 and their coach ran into trouble on 23 June They were visiting the cave network in Chiang Rai when monsoon rains trapped them deep inside They were found safe on Monday night by British divers, who discovered them huddled together on a ledge about 1.2miles inside the network They are all in reasonable health - one diver said they were "very weak, but alive" The military is sending in provisions to last them up to four months while they assess rescue options The children are being taught how to dive and have been given masks to practice breathing A Thai navy seal has died during the rescue mission from a lack of oxygen A devastating monsoon which could flood the cave and leave them stranded for four months is closing in 6 The rescuers have devised a plan to evacuate the boys quickly Credit: Reuters Underlining the dangers they face, ex-Thai navy SEAL Saman Gunan died while diving along the route and he was an experienced diver. He had been on a mission to place oxygen canisters along the pitch dark route to be used by the lads if they take longer than expected and their tanks run out of air. The path out is considered especially complicated because of twists and turns in some of the narrow passages. 6 The young footballers could be lifted out through a secret passage instead of having to swim out... but this would take time 6 And time is running out for the young footballers who are desperatly being taught to swim and scuba dive ahead of their escape bid Credit: EPA 6 The boys face a terrifying and potentially lethal escape route... some fear many may not make it Credit: EPA Engineers are also considering a shaft or drilling into the mountain in which the cave is located to find a sort of back door entrance. The boys, 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach went exploring in the cave after a football game June 23. Poignant footage emerged today showing the kids looking carefree as they play a match. Children's football team stranded in a Thailand cave were filmed training by their coach just hours before they became stuck Monsoon flooding cut off their escape and prevented rescuers from finding them for almost 10 days. Asked at his midnight news conference about taking the boys out underwater, the governor replied, "Not today because they cannot dive at this time." Narongsak said the boys were still healthy and have practised wearing diving masks and breathing in preparation for the diving possibility.