Extraordinary mission ends ordeal of more than two weeks

All 12 schoolboys and coach saved from flooded Thai cave

Each person was pulled through cave by expert divers

Rescuers gave boys anti-anxiety pills to keep them calm

'Healthy and smiling': joy as boys recover in hospital

Meet the seven British divers playing leading roles in mission

Twelve young Thai boys and their football coach reached safety on Tuesday after a daring underwater rescue from deep inside the six-mile long Tham Luang cave - an extraordinary feat that had gripped the world’s attention for over two weeks.

Umporn Sriwathai, the aunt of coach, Ekapol Chanthawong, 25, said that she wanted to “jump in the air” as the news of her nephew’s rescue was broken to her over the phone while she waited anxiously at home with seven other relatives.

“I’m so happy!” she exclaimed, adding that she would go to the hospital in the nearby town of Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, as soon as he arrived.

Mr Chanthawong was one of the last to be taken out of the cave during the final operation of a dangerous three-day mission spearheaded by an elite team of Thai, British and other international divers to extract the children, aged 11-16, who had been trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters.

“We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what. All the thirteen Wild Boars are now out of the cave,” said the Thai Navy Seals on their official Facebook page, referring to the name of the children’s football team.

The mood had been overwhelmingly optimistic from the outset on Tuesday despite heavy rainfall overnight that had continued throughout the morning.

Under overcast skies, Narongsak Osottanakorn, Chiang Rai’s governor and head coordinator of the rescue mission, correctly predicted shortly before noon that all five remaining survivors would be freed by the end of the day.

Onlookers wave as an ambulance carrying rescued schoolboys leaves a military airport in Chiang Rai credit: TYRONE SIU /Reuters

Four boys and their coach still waited to be rescued after eight of their teammates had been extracted in two batches on Sunday and Monday. Three Navy Seals and an army medic had remained to look after them in their underground prison.

“It will be worth the wait,” promised the governor ahead of Tuesday’s operation. And he was right. The boys started to leave the cave in quick succession shortly after 4pm, with all thirteen free by shortly before 7pm. Not long after the final Seals and the doctor emerged from the cave.

Cheers rose from volunteers supporting the rescue mission as news of each extraction broke, and each time medevac helicopters flew overhead.

Video: Moment one of the trapped boys is freed

The third rescue mission had begun earlier than previous ones, at 10:08am. It had been expedited because of the bad weather, but also as the rescue squad had streamlined their procedures from the first expeditions.

Rescuers had begun the day in a buoyant mood. A Navy Seal support team spotted at a local guesthouse by The Telegraph headed off on their mission with a traditional shout of “Hooyah!” after a rousing pep talk from their commander.

“We’re strong!” shouted the 15-strong group, in good spirits as they posed for photos and crossed their forearms in the Seals’ trademark symbol. Gathering their hard hats and backpacks they headed out for the short drive to the caves.

In escaping through a perilous, cragged passageway, much of which was submerged for over a mile, the boys have shown courage and resolve in conditions that would challenge even the most experienced of divers.

Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Thai prime minister confirmed on Tuesday that they had been given anti-anxiety medication – the same kind he took to calm his nerves when he went shooting – to help them not to panic.

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Ivan Karadzic, a Danish diver involved in rescue operations described the full terror of the cave in an interview with the BBC.

“They are forced to do something that no kid has ever done before. It’s not in any way normal for kids to go cave diving aged 11. They are diving in something considered [an] extremely hazardous environment in zero visibility,” he said.

Mr Karadzic spoke of his own trepidation the first time he saw a child coming towards him underwater.

“I was very scared, because when I saw the diver and the kid in the horizon, we can’t see that far but maybe about 50m, I still didn’t know if it was a casualty or a kid,” he said. “But when I saw that he was alive and breathing and seemed to be alright, it felt very good.”

Despite their ordeal, the boys appear to be in surprisingly good health although doctors said on Tuesday that they would be kept in medical isolation for at least a week while they were thoroughly checked for dangerous infections that they could have picked up in the cave.

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The boys have not yet been able to hug their families out of medical precautions, although some have been able to see their relatives through glass screens.

“We have never experienced a situation like this before,” said senior health official Dr Jesada Chokedmanrongsuk, revealing that the first batch of four boys – rescued on Sunday - had been treated to chocolate spread for breakfast after a week’s diet of medical food and energy gel.

Rescue teams on Tuesday finally began to relax after a punishing schedule where they had pushed their bodies and skills to the limits.

Suthee Sommart, a leading member of the rock-climbing team that had been looking for alternative routes out of the cave said he had “never doubted” the boys would be brought out alive.

The teams had been motivated by the plight of the children cowering in the cavern, he said. “We acted as normal human beings in the hope that they are alive,” he said. “We are very, very happy.”

03:48PM Medic and navy seal divers exit cave

The head of the rescue mission has said that everyone is now out of the cave, after the last medic and divers walked out. The Thai Army sent more than 1,000 personnel to assist in the rescue mission.

03:38PM ManU invite the boys to Old Trafford

Manchester United has expressed its relief over the rescue of the Thai youth soccer team and invited the Wild Boars players and coach, as well as those who saved them, to come see them play on their home ground this season.

A message posted on the ManU Twitter account said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. We would love to welcome the team from Wild Boars Football Club and their rescuers to Old Trafford this coming season."

Manchester United is very popular in Thailand, with 135,000 "friends" on the local fan club's Facebook page.

The international soccer federation, FIFA, had already invited the boys to attend the World Cup final in Russia this Sunday. However, doctors now treating the boys in a hospital have said it would be too soon for them to make the trip.

02:53PM England football shirts on the way

What's sure to be one of many generous offers for the rescued boys...

02:37PM Rescuers used Anxiolytic on boys 'to make them not excited, not stressed'

Thailand's prime minister has confirmed that the 12 boys saved from the flooded cave were given the anti-anxiety medication Anxiolytic to help with their rescue.

Asked at a news conference if the youngsters had been sedated, Prayuth Chan-ocha said: "Who would chloroform them? If they're chloroformed, how could they come out? It's called Anxiolytic, something to make them not excited, not stressed."

Prayuth also said the Tham Luang cave will be closed for some time. He said it needs to be made safe so it can be developed into a tourist destination.

02:34PM Video: Thai volunteers break into song after news of rescue success

01:44PM Donald Trump: 'Such a beautiful moment - all freed, great job!'

01:24PM Theresa May: World will salute bravery of Thai rescuers

Theresa May, the Prime Minster, has said she is "delighted" to see the successful Thai cave rescue, adding: "The world was watching and will be saluting the bravery of all those involved."

01:16PM Video: Cheers as rescue helicopters pick up final survivors

Nicola Smith, The Telegraph's reporter in Chiang Rai, took this video of rescue helicopters overheard just after it was announced the final two rescues had been a success.

01:07PM 'All are safe': Facebook post confirms rescue

"All 12 'Wild Boars' and coach have been extracted from the cave," a Facebook post by the Thai Navy Seals said, adding: "All are safe".

12:50PM All 12 boys and football coach brought out of cave

Rescuers have brought all 12 boys and the football coach out of the cave, a spokesman for the Thai Navy Seals has confirmed.

An emergency team rushing to a helicopter as they carry one of the rescued boys credit: Vincent Thian /AP

12:48PM Twelfth person seen carried out of cave on stretcher - witness

A 12th person - the fourth today - has been seen being carried out of the cave on a stretcher, according to a witness to the Reuters news agency.

12:26PM More ambulances with flashing lights seen leaving cave

Three ambulances, with their lights flashing, have been seen leaving the site of the Thai cave rescue.

We are still awaiting news about the remaining schoolboy and the football coach.

An ambulance carrying members of the children's football team approaches the hospital in Chiang Rai credit: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA /AFP

11:41AM Boys given anti-anxiety medication before rescue

The boys who have been rescued from the cave were given anti-anxiety medication before the mission to keep them calm, the Thai prime minister has confirmed.

The option of sedating the boys before rescue was previously suggested by Jani Santala, a cave diving instructor from Finland.

He told Radio 4's Today programme last week: "The easiest way would be for if the child would be almost unconscious, not fighting against panic or anything.

"Just strapped with the full face mask and just being like a parcel that professional divers are handling."

He added: "That must be terrifying for them, but with the proper medication, that can be done. But, still, the doctors might have a solution for that. From a rescue diver's point of view, that would be the easiest way."

11:24AM Another boy freed from cave - just one boy and coach to go

An 11th boy was pulled from the cave soon after 11am BST (5.13pm local time). That means it is one boy and the coach left to go.

11:01AM Tenth boy rescued from Thai cave - navy sources

We've had confirmation that a 10th boy has been rescued from the Thai cave. Three officials told the AFP news agency that he had been saved, leaving two more boys and their coach to be freed from the underground complex.

"The 10th is at the cave entrance on the way to the field hospital," a navy official said. A local government official confirmed the rescue while a police source, who also did not want to be named, said "the ninth and tenth were about 20 minutes apart."

10:49AM 'Everyone is working so hard to help them' - friends of trapped boys speak of excitement at seeing them again

Classmates of some of the rescued boys at the Mae Sai Prasitsart school said on Tuesday that they were excited to see their friends again and thanked those who had been helping them.

“Thank you everyone for your interest and support. I’m happy that they can get out and would love to play and study with them again,” said a teenage girl called Duangdeun.

Classmates of the trapped boy pray at the Maisai Prasitsart school on Tuesday morning credit: Lauren DeCicca /Getty

She said she believed that the ongoing dangerous mission would be successful. “I think all of them will definitely get out because everyone is working so hard to help them,” she said.

Pupils at the school, some of whom have visited the Tham Luang caves, have been holding vigils and prayers for the boys since they went missing two weeks ago.

10:36AM 10th person seen carried out of Thai cave on stretcher

According to a witness near the entrance to the cave, a 10th person has been seen being carried out of the cave on a stretcher.

10:35AM Sources confirm ninth boy has been transferred to field hospital

Police and navy sources confirmed that Thai rescuers have brought a ninth boy out from the Tham Luang cave.

"The ninth boy is out," the police source said, requesting anonymity, while a Thai navy source confirmed the boy "has been transferred from the cave entrance to the field hospital."

10:18AM Ninth person rescued from cave - official

A ninth person has been rescued from the Thai cave, an official with knowledge of the rescue mission has told the Reuters news agency. He is said to have been rescued at shortly after 10am BST (4pm local time).

09:46AM Ambulance leaves caves amid reports ninth boy is freed

An ambulance has been seen leaving the site of the cave rescue operation. It comes amid early unconfirmed reports that a ninth boy has been freed.

Nobody has reached the field hospital yet, but two medical helicopters are reportedly getting ready to fly to the main hospital in Chiang Rai.

Nine ambulances have been waiting at the cave site since Tuesday morning credit: YE AUNG THU /AFP

At least nine ambulances have been waiting at the site after the leader of the rescue operation said Tuesday's aim was to bring out all five as well as a medic and three Thai Navy SEALS, who have been with the boys.

Officials have generally waited hours to confirm rescues. Tuesday's operation began at just after 10am local time (4am BST).

09:15AM Young footballers will be spared exams next week

It is probably the last thing on their mind at the moment.

But the head of the Mae Sai Prasitsart school, attended by six of the youngsters, has confirmed that they will be exempt from exams next week.

He also said the boys would all receive counselling sessions.

09:11AM Rescued boys remain in hospital quarantine amid infection fears

The eight boys who have already been rescued are recuperating at Chiang Rai hospital.

The children - aged between 12 and 16 - will remain in quarantine until doctors are sure they had not contracted any infections from inside the cave.

A nurse adjusts her face mask at Chiang Rai hospital credit: Vincent Thian /AP

Experts warned that drinking contaminated water or being exposed to bird or bat droppings in the cave could lead to dangerous infections.

But the early signs were promising, with X-rays and blood tests showing just two had signs of pneumonia and that they were in a "normal state" after taking antibiotics.

08:22AM Anxious wait for news as relatives of trapped boys gather at caves

Relatives of the trapped schoolboys are facing an anxious wait for news from the latest rescue mission.

Thailand's prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha met some of them on Monday as he visited the cave complex.

Thailand's prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha poses with relatives of boys who have been trapped in the flooded cave credit: REUTERS

On Tuesday, some relatives began to gather at the entrance to the cave - where several ambulances are stationed in anticipation of a successful mission.

Relatives of boys trapped in a flooded cave are seen at a check point near the Tham Luang cave complex credit: SOE ZEYA TUN /Reuters

And classmates of the boys - from the Wild Boars football team - started the day with prayers at the Maisai Prasitsart school before classes.

Classmates of the Wild Boars football team pray at the Maisai Prasitsart school before classes on Tuesday credit: Lauren DeCicca/Getty

08:01AM Thai prime minister is briefed on cave rescue latest

Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is pictured receiving a briefing on the cave rescue operation on Monday night.

He had visited the cave to inspect the operation and was quoted as saying he did not want to see this kind of incident happen again on Thai soil.

07:42AM Rescuers: 'We will celebrate together finally'

Thai Navy Seals leading the rescue mission say on their Facebook page that today's efforts will take longer than usual, but that we will "celebrate together finally".

07:40AM Video: Rescuers set off for third mission

This video filmed by The Telegraph's Nicola Smith in Chiang Rai shows Thai Navy Seals leaving for the caves this morning.

Video: Thai Navy Seals set off for third mission

06:21AM Coach is among those still in cave

Worth pointing out that the governor's words confirm that the coach is still among those waiting to be rescued. Had been earlier speculation that he as among first to be rescued because he was in a weak state after giving his share of their rations to the boys.

But Narongsak Osottanakorn made clear we are expected to see four "boars" and one coach emerge from the cave, along with three navy seals and one army doctor who had stayed with them overnight.

06:05AM Mission to rescue remaining boys and coach is now under way

Narongsak Osottanakorn, the governor of Chiang Rai province and the head of the joint command centre coordinating the mission, expects all five remaining survivors in the Tham Luang cave to be freed today.

His announcement was greeted with cheers.

He confirmed that the third rescue mission since Sunday began earlier, at 10:08am (4.08am BST), thanks to the experience they had gained from earlier operations.

Thai soldiers walk into to the Tham Luang cave complex on Tuesday morning credit: YE AUNG THU /AFP

The first mission on Sunday took 11 hours and the second, on Monday , took 9 hours. Mr Osottanakorn said he expected the extraction times to be “equal to or better than yesterday if we don’t have any abnormal factors.”

He added: “I expect they will come out today, all of them,” which would include three staff and a doctor currently staying in the chamber with the last group of five.

Rescuers walk towards the entrance to the cave on Tuesday morning credit: Sakchai Lalit /AP

However, the governor added that overall Tuesday’s mission could take longer as more people need to be extracted.

Unnecessary personnel have been cleared from the cave site today to speed up operations. Meanwhile, water irrigation experts working furiously to divert floodwaters from the cave have reported that conditions are “under control” despite heavy rainfall overnight.

05:55AM Governor says he expects last five to be freed today

Chiang Rai governor says he expects all five to be freed today. 19 divers went in at 10:08. "Today we might have to wait longer but it will be worth the wait."

05:53AM Watching and waiting

An ambulance leaves the Tham Luang cave area as rescue operations continue for those still trapped inside the cave in Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park credit: Ye Aung Thu/AFP

05:36AM A final push in the pouring rain?

05:34AM 'I didn't know if it was a casualty or a kid'

Ivan Karadzic, a Danish diver helping with the international rescue team, described the drama of the rescue to the BBC.

“They are forced to do something that no kid has ever done before. It’s not in any way normal for kids to go cave diving aged 11. They are diving in something considered [an] extremely hazardous environment in zero visibility. The only light that is in there is the torch light we bring ourself,” he said.

Mr Karadzic said their big fear was any kind of panic.

“I cannot understand how cool these small kids are," he added. "Thinking about how they have been kept in a small cave for two weeks. They haven’t seen their mums, incredibly strong kids. Unbelievable almost.”

Ivan Karadzic, a Danish diving instructor, has been describing the rescue operation credit: Reuters

Mr Karadzic spoke of his own trepidation about being involved in the dangerous mission, and of the first time he saw a child coming towards him underwater.

“I was very scared, because when I saw the diver and the kid in the horizon, we can’t see that far but maybe about 50m, I still didn’t know if it was a casualty or a kid,” he said. “But when I saw that he was alive and breathing and seemed to be alright, it felt very good.”

04:52AM Boys are 'in good mental health'

More from the briefing: The first group have now seen their parents through a glass window, and the other four should be able to see their parents today in the same way. They do not have fever and appear to be in good mental health after their ordeal.

The boys’ families were also buoyed by a visit from the Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Thai prime minister, who visited the hospital yesterday, and were seen chatting and laughing with them.

Jesada Chokedamrongsuk, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health speaks during a news conference at the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital credit: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

The children had their eyes shielded by protective sunglasses as they emerged from the cave. Their eyesight is currently being tested, but the first group has been able to take the glasses off.

If the last group of five survivors is freed today they will be treated separately from the others, but will receive the same tests, first being evaluated for hypothermia, and then being subjected to a round of blood tests, X-rays and heart checks.

04:41AM Soft food - and not too spicy - for now

The boys have been desperate to eat normal food after surviving inside the cave on energy gels and medical food, said Dr Chokedmanrongsuk. The first group will be able to eat soft boiled rice today, he told reporters at Chiang Rai hospital.

“Today they can eat normal food but not too spicy,” he added.

He said the boys will be kept in isolation for the next week, to protect them from infection and while they undergo a thorough medical evaluation.

“We have never experienced a situation like this before,” he said.

04:28AM Parents have seen boys - but only through glass

Health officials remain cautious as they test boys for illness - including what has been called "cave disease", caused by the fungus Histoplasmosis, found in the droppings of birds and bats.

04:25AM Health briefing under way

Dr Jesada Chokedamrongsuk, a senior health official, says the first 4 boys rescued are aged 14 to 16 and two of them possibly have a lung infection.

The second group was aged 12 to 14.

All eight boys are still in quarantine. They are being tested for hypothermia, with blood tests, lung X-rays, heart rate. First group of boys was aged 14-16. Second group 12-14.

04:22AM Steady rain

03:58AM Ambulances and military vehicles at cave entrance

Three ambulances along with cars, hummers and soldiers have been seen entering the cave site where rescuers have been carrying out a high-stakes operation to bring out trapped members of a youth soccer team.

Heavy rains lashed the northern Thai region late on Monday and a steady downpour has continued Tuesday.

After divers brought out four of the boys Monday evening, authorities indicated the rescue operation would continue for a third day. But they also warned heavy rain could hamper their efforts.

03:43AM Can the divers rescue all five today?

The question today is whether the rescuers can bring out all five people trapped inside the cave in one go. Until now, officials have said they want to do it four at a time.

Speaking on Monday night Narongsak Osottanakorn, who heads the mission, said: "For safety, the best number is four."

That has led to speculation that they could opt to bring out what we believe to be the four remaining boys leaving their 25-year-old coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, to spend one more night perched on a ledge above the water.

The Wild Boars football team with their coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, left credit: Pixel8000

03:36AM 'Divers resume rescue'

Reporters at the scene say a number of foreign divers have been spotted going back into the cave network. From the entrance it's about a five-hour slog to reach the location where the boys and their coach are perched on a ledge.

Then they have to come all the way back. So it may not be until late in the day that we know more. Here's a reminder of how they are doing it all...

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03:30AM There's a lot of respect around for the divers

03:16AM Thai Seals prepare for day three of the evacuation

With a traditional shout of “Hooyah!” Thai Navy Seals set off from their guesthouse in the northern Thai town of Mae Sai on Tuesday morning for a third rescue mission to bring out the remaining five survivors trapped in the Tham Luang caves.

“We’re strong!” said the 15-strong group after a rousing pep talk from their commander about the dangerous mission ahead. The men were in good spirits as they posed for photos and crossed their forearms in the Seals’ trademark symbol.

Gathering their hard hats and backpacks they headed out for the short drive to the caves where their role is to back up the first diving team which is expected to enter about 10:30am.

Thai Navy Seals in good spirits at their guest house close to the cave complex credit: Nicola Smith

Prolonged rainfall overnight has increased anxiety about Tuesday’s mission, despite a successful and speedy extraction of eight boys since operations began on Sunday.

Tuesday morning has begun with overcast skies after rain began shortly after midnight, and divers will not know if water levels have risen inside the cave until the enter.

Two Thai military doctors have stayed in the chamber about 2.5 miles inside the cave network, where the remaining survivors are sheltering.

01:42AM Elon Musk delivers mini-sub

Elon Musk says he has arrived in Thailand with his mini-sub. He says he made it all the way inside to cave 3, where emergency workers have set up their rescue hub, and has left his underwater craft in case it is any use.

It may well be too big to make it through the 40cm or so gap we are told the rescuers and boys have to wriggle through.