© Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
A group of volunteers prepare to leave in search of alternative entry points to the Tham Luang cave area.
A group of volunteers prepare to leave in search of alternative entry points to the Tham Luang cave area.
Following the death of diver Saman Kunan, and with torrential rains forecast, it is believed authorities could try to rescue trapped boys tomorrow
Belgian media cite unconfirmed reports rescue mission will begin tonight
Belgian media have cited unconfirmed reports that the rescue mission will begin this evening and that a diving team will accompany the boys to the cave's exit two-at-a-time.
Ben Reymenants, the Belgian diver who was interviewed on BBC Newsnight on Monday and is reportedly on stand-by for this mission, told Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN):
It's a race against time, because on Sunday heavy rain showers are expected. But we remain positive.
We expect that the first two footballers will still be at the exit today.
It remains a difficult course through a labyrinth of corridors, with lots of diving and climbing.
But the process is along with the current and the visibility under water is already a lot better.
Moreover, they do not have to swim a lot, they have an oxygen mask on them and they will almost always be kept on hand by one of the divers.
In the third corridor there is air for breathing, where they will also be checked by a doctor. Then there is another 1.5 kilometers of climbing and climbing.
Comment: Children's football team missing for 9 days found trapped in flooded cave in Thailand