A treacherous rescue bid to free a youth football team trapped in a flooded Thai cave entered its second day on Monday, with nine of the “Wild Boars” still inside after elite divers guided four out on Sunday.
The mission, which began on Sunday, was paused overnight for air tanks to be replaced.
Rescuers decided to go ahead with the hazardous operation because of fears of rising waters. The group has been trapped since 23 June.
Activity at the dive site early on Monday suggests that the operation to free the remaining members of the group may be under way or about to resume.
At least seven ambulances have driven towards the cave entrance.
A team of 90 expert divers -- 40 from Thailand and 50 from overseas -- has been working in the cave system.
They have been guiding the boys through darkness and submerged passageways towards the mouth of the Tham Luang cave system.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk shared photos and videos of a metallic pod that he claims could help rescue a group of boys trapped in a cave in Thailand.
Musk said in a tweet Sunday evening that the pod -- or “kid-size submarine” -- was en route to Thailand and would arrive in about 17 hours.
“Hopefully useful,” he said in one tweet. “If not, perhaps it will be in a future situation.”
Musk’s post came after US and Thai officials confirmed Sunday that four of 12 boys trapped in the cave had been rescued. Hopes are high the eight remaining boys and their coach will follow soon.
Rescued boys identified: Daily Mail
The Daily Mail has identified the boys who were rescued on Sunday.
They are: The first boy out was Monhkhol Boonpiam, 13, known as Mark. The second boy was Prajak Sutham, known as Note.
Number three was Nattawoot Thakamsai, a 14-year-old asthma sufferer whose parents have already lost a baby daughter to cancer.
Lastly came Pipat Bodhu, 15, aka Nick, who was not even in the team but came along as a friend of the goalkeeper.