BREAKING NEWS Unconfirmed report claims evacuation of 'Tham Luang 13' is about to start

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Unconfirmed report claims evacuation of 'Tham Luang 13' is about to start

 

Image: Reuters

Belgian media reports that divers plan to evacuate the boys trapped in the Tham Luang Cave imminently.

 

Citing rescue diver Ben Reymenants, who is on stand by for the mission, the boys will be evacuated two by two, with evacuations starting late Friday and taking place throughout the weekend.

 

According to the report , visibility inside the cave has improved enough for an evacuation to begin.

 

The boys will each be given an oxygen mask and escorted through the labyrinth of corridors by a Navy SEAL diver who will take them to the third corridor in the cave where there is sufficient air for them to breath.

 

"It’s a race against time, because on Sunday heavy rain showers are expected. But we remain positive", Mr Reymenants said (via The Guardian)

 

""We expect that the first two footballers will still be at the exit today.

 

"It remains a difficult course through a labyrinth of corridors, with lots of diving and climbing.

 

"But the process is along with the current and the visibility under water is already a lot better," he added.

 

"Moreover, they do not have to swim a lot, they have an oxygen mask on them and they will almost always be kept on hand by one of the divers.

 

"In the third corridor there is air for breathing, where they will also be checked by a doctor. Then there is another 1.5 kilometers of climbing and climbing".

 

Mr Reymenants says that four boys will be evacuated each day with all evacuations taking place this weekend.

 

Rescuers are currently in a race against time to evacuate the boys as oxygen levels inside the area of the cave where they are trapped have decreased significantly in recent days.

 

Furthermore, monsoon rain forecast on Sunday evening will be bring more flooding to the cave.

 

Mr Reymenants said that the spirit among the boys remains good with the group fantasizing about what food they want to eat when they get out.

 

They have also been further buoyed after being shown footage of their families and the rescue mission taking place outside.

 

The news comes after Sky News also reported on Friday that a rescue mission could happen on Friday or Saturday.

 

Volunteer diver Ivan Karadzic told Sky News he expected the mission to take place "very soon".

 

Meanwhile, Thai Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda was set to brief media at the cave on at around 9pm on Friday evening but was delayed.

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-07-06

 

LIVE UPDATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[4evermaat]

 

But if this is indeed the best course of action NOW, then Godspeed for all those involved in the recovery effort. 

[gilo]

Godspeed and hope for a positive outcome.

Edited July 6, 2018 by gilo

[Nigeone]

I said yesterday I felt this was about to happen. Why would they have requested another 5 British expert Cave divers who will have arrived now if something wasn't about to happen. There's been plenty of bodies to deal with everyday stuff so the extra 5 experts must mean it's all about to happen. Good luck guys with this rescue ! 

Edited July 6, 2018 by Nigeone

[Argus Tuft]

Anywhere to see live updates on this if it is going ahead?

 

Is there a twitter feed associated with the ongoing operations?

[Damrongsak]

Maybe, just maybe, the pumping and a lull in the rain has improved the conditions in the submerged areas just enough to risk extraction.  And numerous people have traversed the route, so they understand the difficulties to a greater degree.  They know full well that all hell could break loose any time with more rain. 

 

I'm sure they are frantically looking for vents, cracks and sinkholes in case they do have to punch through or at least supply fresh air. 

[NCC1701A]

https://twitter.com/pakhead/status/101528809676867993

Jonathan Head @pakhead

Chiang Rai governor says they are preparing to rescue trapped boys and will do so if heavy rain comes. They have got a pipe to carry oxygen in so air quality no longer a worry. But rain could make rescue harder and staying untenable. Could happen this weekend.

[GBW]

JeeZz, thank you Cade Courtly for your inspiring comments on CNN,  NOT , now you just sit back in Colorado in your pessimistic arm chair, promote your book via CNN. You are a nit wit! Why is your mug even on TV?  Condescending, narcissist prick with nothing to add but negativity. Good luck with the book though,  I will be sure to buy it at an op shop for a buck and use to wipe my backside with it, page by page.   

I will say again, I am am the eternal optimist. I truly feel that if the 'experts' have made a call to extract the lads pronto, this is the time.  My family and I believe that we must have trust and faith in what is/was a very difficult decision to start this process and I am sure that the rest of the world is desperate to see a positive outcome to this unfortunate situation. 

RIP to the brave young rescuer that has made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. Condolences to his family and all that knew this brave man. He will be honored and loved for his determination and bravery forever.

 

[chickenslegs]

9 minutes ago, GBW said:

JeeZz, thank you Cade Courtly for your inspiring comments on CNN,  NOT , now you just sit back in Colorado in your pessimistic arm chair, promote your book via CNN. You are a nit wit! Why is your mug even on TV?  Condescending, narcissist prick with nothing to add but negativity. Good luck with the book though,  I will be sure to buy it at an op shop for a buck and use to wipe my backside with it, page by page.   

I will say again, I am am the eternal optimist. I truly feel that if the 'experts' have made a call to extract the lads pronto, this is the time.  My family and I believe that we must have trust and faith in what is/was a very difficult decision to start this process and I am sure that the rest of the world is desperate to see a positive outcome to this unfortunate situation. 

RIP to the brave young rescuer that has made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. Condolences to his family and all that knew this brave man. He will be honored and loved for his determination and bravery forever.

 

Agree 100%.

The best of the best are here on the scene and I am confident that they will make the correct decision. Of course, we need to be prepared ourselves to accept that casualties may be incurred, regardless of which option is chosen.

Many so called "experts" here and abroad are just milking the situation for their own purposes. Some people know no shame.

RIP Petty Officer 3rd Class Samarn Kunan.  We do not yet know the exact circumstances of your death but, observing the incredible physical strain that you and your colleagues were enduring, I think we can honestly say that you died a very honourable death.

[Argus Tuft]

58 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

https://twitter.com/pakhead/status/101528809676867993

Jonathan Head @pakhead

Chiang Rai governor says they are preparing to rescue trapped boys and will do so if heavy rain comes. They have got a pipe to carry oxygen in so air quality no longer a worry. But rain could make rescue harder and staying untenable. Could happen this weekend.

Many thanks for that, appreciated

[tropo]

2 hours ago, 4evermaat said:

 

But if this is indeed the best course of action NOW, then Godspeed for all those involved in the recovery effort. 

That report is nearly 3 days old (July 4) and no longer relevant. This reporter thinks they have much time to relax and explore all options. That no longer seems to be the case.

[Nigeone]

Would seem they are hanging on as long as possible till the decision is made for them as we all know the rains are coming in the next few days. That's one thing they have been lucky with that it's held off this long . I'd imagine the powers that be are reluctant to make a choice as the repercussions if it goes wrong in the Thai 'face' mentality . Wouldn't want to make the choice but I think they have no choice . They can't guarantee the safety of the team and any Thia personal staying with them over 4 months plus . So many things can Go wrong in that time be it illness or air quality and if course flooding . If they got into trouble I'd imagine it would be nigh impossible to get help to them.. No they have to do it this weekend and I feel they will .

[Argus Tuft]

1 minute ago, Nigeone said:

Would seem they are hanging on as long as possible till the decision is made for them as we all know the rains are coming in the next few days. That's one thing they have been lucky with that it's held off this long . I'd imagine the powers that be are reluctant to make a choice as the repercussions if it goes wrong in the Thai 'face' mentality . Wouldn't want to make the choice but I think they have no choice . They can't guarantee the safety of the team and any Thia personal staying with them over 4 months plus . So many things can Go wrong in that time be it illness or air quality and if course flooding . If they got into trouble I'd imagine it would be nigh impossible to get help to them.. No they have to do it this weekend and I feel they will .

While I agree with parts of your post, I think you're speculating a bit much. We have no idea what the current operational situation is, nor the reasoning or thought behind any decisions 

[Nigeone]

22 minutes ago, Argus Tuft said:

While I agree with parts of your post, I think you're speculating a bit much. We have no idea what the current operational situation is, nor the reasoning or thought behind any decisions 

No I agree we haven't but I'm just posting how I see it ,knowing Thai though process and the impending change in weather . The request and arrival of the additional 5 British Cave divers bringing over half a ton of additionally equipment would indicate somethings happening. I really feel there delaying as long as possible the inevitable due to the massive risks involved with any option is decided . So wouldn't like to have that responsibility !   

[jenny2017]

 Then there is another 1.5 kilometers of climbing and climbing".

 

Let's hope that they did/do some exercises to be fit for an eventual rescue where climbing is part of it. They haven't just lost body fat, also a lot of muscles are gone in such a long time with almost no movement. Best of luck for all involved and hopefully no more casualties. 

 

 

 

   

 

  

Edited July 6, 2018 by jenny2017

[Argus Tuft]

3 minutes ago, jenny2017 said:

 Then there is another 1.5 kilometers of climbing and climbing".

 

Let's hope that they did/do some exercises to be fit for an eventual rescue where climbing is part of it. They haven't just lost body fat, also a lot of muscles are gone in such a long time with almost no movement. Best of luck for all involved and hopefully no more casualties. 

 

 

 

   

 

  

They had body fat before?

[GBW]

8 minutes ago, Argus Tuft said:

They had body fat before?

I think that body fat is minimal, soccer kids playing and training, cycling etc. Youth is on their side. Determination to see there family and friends and get out,  will spark an endorphin, Just hope they can all keep it together on the tough parts of the journey.    

Drilling is not an option for extraction, albeit for air, food and coms, 4 to 5 months down there seems a last resort. with that I admit if it saves lives, make that decision. 

Checked weather on accu, for Mae Sai, 10-20mm for saturday, storms continuing sunday for at least a week. So who and when will make the call, ? Surely its not a photo shoot, political stance, saving face,,,,,,,,,,  its time to make some real decisions, real viable decisions!  

Again, [optimistically, I can see at least 4 out in the next few hours and the other 9 to follow by Saturday pm.  

The lack of media from Thai news is frustrating me.     they say and complain about the amount of media on-site, but nothing for hours...........................from the 100s there..   .

It seems to me /someone/ has silenced media, where we and the world are expecting updates, progress, options, weather conditions/forecasts etc etc ... like every hour at the least... But NO, But why?

 

 

[Thian]

2 hours ago, tropo said:

That report is nearly 3 days old (July 4) and no longer relevant. This reporter thinks they have much time to relax and explore all options. That no longer seems to be the case.

Is this 3 days old? I just saw the guy on tv today in holland, he speaks dutch. He spoke about them having navigationproblems in the cave which i couldn't understand...do they still have to navigate to find the boys' cave?

 

 

Edited July 6, 2018 by Thian

[Dexlowe]

28 minutes ago, GBW said:

The lack of media from Thai news is frustrating me. 

Maybe the authorities listened to overherebc who instructed them to remove all news people to the farthest reaches of the kingdom and institute a once-a-day press conference.

[Nigeone]

19 minutes ago, Thian said:

Is this 3 days old? I just saw the guy on tv today in holland, he speaks dutch. He spoke about them having navigationproblems in the cave which i couldn't understand...do they still have to navigate to find the boys' cave?

 

 

They shouldn't have too now as they have guide lines through to the cave where there trapped . Just follow etc but who knows there seems to so many going down and in 

[Nigeone]

If as some are suggesting there is a news black out then that can only mean one thing. I'm convinced there going for it this weekend due to many reasons . So much points to it not least the arrival of additional 5 Cave experts from Britain

Edited July 6, 2018 by Nigeone

[sanemax]

2 minutes ago, Nigeone said:

If as some are suggesting there is a news black out then that can only mean one thing. I'm convinced there going for it this weekend due to many reasons . So much points to it not least the arrival of additional 5 Cave experts from Briatain 

That is what I was thinking to myself , reason being its forecast to rain on Monday right through to next week and it will take two days to get them out , so they need to begin very soon .

    If theres a few problems , they wont want the media there , its not guaranteed that everyone or anyone will get out from there , so, they wont want the media reporting anything 

[sanemax]

42 minutes ago, GBW said:

It seems to me /someone/ has silenced media, where we and the world are expecting updates, progress, options, weather conditions/forecasts etc etc ... like every hour at the least... But NO, But why?

There is a high risk of fatalities , you can understand people wanting privacy .

Also , they just want to get on with the job with full concentration without being in the spotlight   

[Nigeone]

1 minute ago, sanemax said:

There is a high risk of fatalities , you can understand people wanting privacy .

Also , they just want to get on with the job with full concentration without being in the spotlight   

Yes totally agree ..sadly it's very risky as it's been made clear so last thing you want is hordes of photographers with no scruples in showing whatever they can..look what happens with a car crash in Thailand ,pictures first then they might help . Good luck all you guys and hopefully the real experts are able to call the shots !!

[lamyai3]

It's looking increasingly inevitable they're going to have to take them out, due to the unpredictable conditions in the cave when more heavy rain comes. I have great faith in the rescue teams though, in spite of the difficulties. I also have great faith in the boys and the coach. These are a hardy bunch, as the first British rescuer on the scene commented "very strong". And aside from the water issue, they're clearly familiar with the terrain, they made it in there in the first place.

 

On a separate note, they have a massive incentive to get out quickly now that the head of FIFA has invited them all over to the world cup final at Luzhniki stadium if they're rescued and sufficiently recovered. 

[sanemax]

13 minutes ago, Nigeone said:

Yes totally agree ..sadly it's very risky as it's been made clear so last thing you want is hordes of photographers with no scruples in showing whatever they can..look what happens with a car crash in Thailand ,pictures first then they might help . Good luck all you guys and hopefully the real experts are able to call the shots !!

And one of the Belgium divers stated his intentions for the night , although it was later retracted .

   Also the Thai Police guy who made the announcement that they would not be going in tonight , also stated , unless something changes , which gives him a face saving *I wasnt lying, the situation changed* explanation 

[4evermaat]

1 hour ago, Thian said:

Is this 3 days old? I just saw the guy on tv today in holland, he speaks dutch. He spoke about them having navigationproblems in the cave which i couldn't understand...do they still have to navigate to find the boys' cave?

 

 

 

53 minutes ago, Nigeone said:

They shouldn't have too now as they have guide lines through to the cave where there trapped . Just follow etc but who knows there seems to so many going down and in 

 

The trapped boys/divers cannot just walk out or swim/dive straight out.  There are narrow rock corridors, twists, and pitch black areas that are difficult to navigate even for experienced divers. 

Edited July 6, 2018 by 4evermaat

[JAZZDOG]

They need to go with the plan with the greatest degree of confidence the boys (all) remain alive. Get oxygen in, as many supplies of food and water as possible, drop ship largest pumps known to man. If possible get open ocean survival rafts to PB. This will buy time for Elon Musk to arrive with better ideas/tech/equipment.  This decision to extract is far riskier than hunkering in place. The extraction is a 6 hours long process at best, thunder storms can blow up instantly and in 30 minutes the tunnels are ragging rivers. Anyone caught in transiting the tunnels would be at great risk. Even with a 70% degree of confidence that any single boy can be rescued alive equates to extremely little chance even half will make it out of the 13 attempts, likely many less. Last thing you want is for this to fail and say we should have waited. Ninety days is just a blip on a 80 year life time. Stabilize the situation and find a better option because swimming out has already been deemed to risky. That hasn't changed. Just as pilots are taught in emergencies the number one job is too fly the aircraft and not get side tracked. Keep the boys alive as long as possible and a means to safely bring them to safety will evolve. There are enough experts just now becoming involved to come up with a much better plan than just shoving little kids with no training into situations that ended up killing a veteran expert diver. THIS PLAN IS INSANE!!

Edited July 6, 2018 by JAZZDOG
typo

[Nigeone]

6 minutes ago, JAZZDOG said:

They need to go with the plan with the greatest degree of confidence the boys (all) remain alive. Get oxygen in, as many supplies of food and water as possible, drop ship largest pumps known to man. If possible get open ocean survival rafts to PB. This will buy time for Elon Musk to arrive with better ideas/tech/equipment.  This decision to extract is far riskier than hunkering in place. The extraction is a 6 hours long process at best, thunder storms can blow up instantly and in 30 minutes the tunnels are ragging rivers. Anyone caught in transiting the tunnels would be at great risk. Even with a 70% degree of confidence that any single boy can be rescued alive equates to extremely little chance even half will make it out of the 13 attempts, likely many less. Last thing you want is for this to fail and say we should have waited. Ninety days is just a blip on a 80 year life time. Stabilize the situation and find a better option because swimming out has already been deemed to risky. That hasn't changed. Just as pilots are taught in emergencies the number one job is too fly the aircraft and not get side tracked. Keep the boys alive as long as possible and a means to safely bring them to safety will evolve. There are enough experts just now becoming involved to come up with a much better plan than just shoving little kids with no training into situations that end up killing veteran expert divers. THIS PLAN IS INSANE!!

I disagree and feel it's their only option be it not a great one . It's not 3 months it's at least four till they can start to get to where they are now . And if medical issues happen in that time and you can't reach them ?? Food for 4 plus months cold ?? Can't cook as issues with gases and lack of oxygen . Nope I'm still saying they have to do it the next day or so before the expected rains come.. All signs indicate they are ..agreed though it's not a easy choice . Both with unknown outcomes 

Edited July 6, 2018 by Nigeone