Chiang Rai: Governor says searchers headed for key cave area

The latest news out of Chiang Rai as the search continues at a critical time. Chiang Rai’s Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn has confirmed that Navy SEALs and other divers had reached the T-junction inside Tham Luang Cave and would turn left and press on towards the area dubbed “Pattaya Beach” where the lost football squad are believed to be trapped.

He said other divers would begin searching towards the right if there was adequate manpower.

The divers had 600 full oxygen tanks so they can continue searching without having to retrace their route for more, he said.

Narongsak said a forward command post had been set up in Chamber 3 of the cave, with electricity and communication systems.

Monday’s plan was to search left of the T-junction, to the right if there was enough manpower, and to continue draining floodwater from the cave, he said.

Narongsak urged everyone supporting the search and rescue operation to register for an access card and heed his commands to ensure the mission proceeds safely and efficiently.

Meanwhile, scuba divers, relatively small in stature, joined Navy SEAL divers on Monday in the push to reach so-called “Pattaya Beach” zone of the Tham Luang Cave where the 12 young footballers and their assistant coach are believed to be awaiting rescue.

STORY: The Nation