Australia sends more experts to help in Thai cave rescue
Tham Luang: Australia will boost the number of specialists working to rescue the 12 Thai footballers and their coach who remain trapped in a sprawling cave complex in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Defence Minister Marisa Payne and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton announced the additional contribution of three people on Thursday morning.
There are already six Australian Federal Police specialist divers on site at the Tham Luang cave, as well as liaison officers from the ADF, AFP and Department of Foreign Affairs.
The increase takes to 12 the number of Australians deployed as part of the international rescue effort, which is being led by the Thai government and military.
With forecast rain holding off for now, speculation is mounting that a rescue effort could be attempted later on Thursday before the monsoon rains descend over the weekend.
But any attempt to bring the boys and their coach out by swimming and diving would be highly risky, as many or all of them cannot swim. The boys began a crash course in diving on Wednesday.
In a statement, the ministers said that, as the rescue effort entered a critical stage, "Australia is sending two more Australian Defence Force specialists with expertise in disaster recovery and planning.
"An additional senior Australian Federal Police officer will also be deployed to support planning and coordination efforts."
"The team of six AFP dive specialists who arrived on Saturday 30 June will remain on site to assist the Royal Thai Navy to get essential supplies to the trapped group."
The official overseeing the rescue operation said on Wednesday the boys and their coach might not all be extracted at the same time, depending on their health.
Chiang Rai provincial Governor Narongsak Osatanakorn said, "All 13 may not come out at the same time. If the condition is right and if that person is ready 100 per cent, he can come out."
He said authorities would evaluate their readiness each day and, if there was any risk, would not proceed. He said the team was recuperating.