Teens 'may still be alive' in Thai cave
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
Thailand's deputy PM has said he is optimistic a group of young footballers trapped inside a cave are still alive, as the search enters a third day, reports BBC.
The boys, aged between 11 and 16, and their coach entered the cave in Chiang Rai province on Saturday.
Navy divers sent into search resumed their efforts on Tuesday after rising waters halted the search.
They had reportedly seen fresh footprints inside the cave complex, raising hopes for the group's safety.
"We are still optimistic they are all alive," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Tuesday.
"Even though they may not have anything to eat, they should have water to drink." The Tham Luang Nang Non cave is a tourist attraction which runs for many kilometres underground.
The boys and their 25-year-old coach are thought to be in a chamber of the extensive cave network.
Desperate relatives have been camping out at the cave, which lies near the border with Myanmar, holding a prayer ceremony for their safe return.