Thailand cave rescue: What are the options for rescuers?
After the euphoria of finding the boys alive, the practicalities of getting them out are focusing minds, says Sky's Alex Rossi.
Thursday 5 July 2018 11:19, UK
There is an optimism and an energy to the rescue operation now, but nobody here is underestimating the challenges that lie ahead.
The euphoria that accompanied Monday's discovery that the boys and their football coach were all alive and well has been tempered by the practical difficulties of getting them out.
A number of plans are in place. None are easy and all are subject to another monsoon deluge forecast for Saturday.
:: Option 1
This involves teaching the boys to dive. Already, in the bowels of the cave complex, they are being given instructions on how to use breathing apparatus with full face masks.
But Sky News has been told that it is fraught with danger.
Even experienced divers would find it extremely challenging, according to those that have been down.
It involves staying underwater for at least 800m, moving through small passages, and being buffeted by debris and currents in complete darkness.
:: Option 2
The next idea is to pump out more water. While water has been extracted for almost two weeks, more powerful pumps have arrived in the last few days.
In some areas, levels have dropped by 40%. In theory, the football team could walk, scramble and dive to safety.
But there are still large parts of the cave complex that are fully submerged.
The big question, therefore, is whether the pumps can make a difference before more rain comes down.
:: Option 3
This involves bringing the boys and their coach up through the ground.
Rescue teams are looking for "chimneys" they could drill through and expand, allowing the boys to be pulled out with ropes.
It seems a distant and unrealistic scenario, however, because a point at which to start drilling has not yet been established.
It could also be a long job because the group are at least 1km below the surface.
:: Option 4
Leave them where they are. The boys are currently camped and being supplied on a raised section of ground which does not flood at any time of the year.
If the rains begin again before any of the above plans can be enacted, then perhaps it is simply best to wait.
That could mean they are trapped for weeks or even months.