Murky floodwaters, narrow passages and limited tech: here’s why rescuing 12 Thai boys trapped in a cave is so tricky
Navy dive experts continue to try to reach the group of soccer players and their coach who have been underground since June 23
A team of Thai soccer players – 12 boys aged 11 to 16 and their coach – have been missing inside a flooded cave in the country’s far north since June 23. Rescuers led by elite navy divers have found signs of the boys inside but have been unable to locate them. Here’s a look at what’s complicating the search.
Huge cave complex
Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Chiang Rai province has an impressive entrance area that is easily walkable and has become a tourist attraction. The entire cave is much larger and far more inaccessible. The complex stretches for up to 10km (6 miles), much of it a string of narrow passageways that lead to wide chambers and then back to narrow passageways. There are several changes in elevation along the way. It is thought that the boys and their coach went inside and got trapped when the cave flooded in heavy rain. The cave is known to flood during Thailand’s rainy season from June to November. Rescuers have found some of the boys’ belongings in chambers farther back from the entrance and it is believed the boys have gone deeper into the cave to seek dry ground.
No room to move
Quite simply, flooding and tight spaces are hampering efforts. Divers are trying to make their way through narrow flooded passageways often with little visibility. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda said: “Divers are in dark areas that are not flat and there’s mud and rocks everywhere. Therefore, for the SEAL team that is there, when they dive, sometimes one tank can only go as far as 30 metres and they have to turn back.” Because of the limited space, slow going and danger of the dive, authorities don’t want divers going through long passageways that are completely filled with water. The want divers to be able to surface for oxygen should they need to.
