Cave rescue

Thai boys' tears for lost rescue diver Saman

Volunteer diver Saman Gunan lost his life on 6 July while installing oxygen tanks in the flooded cave complex.

He has since been hailed as a hero around the world.

The boys and their 25-year-old coach were told of his sacrifice only on Saturday, when doctors decided they were strong enough to process the news.

"All cried and expressed their condolences by writing messages on a drawing of Lieutenant Commander Saman and observed one minute of silence for him," said Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk, permanent secretary at the health ministry.

Thailand cave rescue: Mission to save boys under way

Teams entered the cave at 10:00 local time (03:00 GMT), operation chief Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters.

All non-essential staff have been cleared from the site near the entrance, leaving only diving teams, medics and security forces.

The boys were exploring the cave on 23 June when they were cut off by water.

Thirteen foreign divers and five from the Thai Navy are involved in the rescue mission.

Thailand cave rescue: Diver dies while taking in supplies

Saman Gunan, 38, lost consciousness on his way out of the Tham Luang cave complex after delivering supplies and could not be revived.

"His job was to deliver oxygen. He did not have enough on his way back," said an official.

The diver had left the navy but returned to help the rescue operation.

Mr Gunan, said to be an avid runner and cyclist, was part of a massive rescue operation which started almost two weeks ago after the group went into the Tham Luang cave.

'Zero risks' to be taken in rescue of boys

They have received their first food and medical treatment in 10 days.

Seven divers, including a doctor and a nurse, joined the group inside the caves in the north of the country after they were discovered alive on Monday.

Rescuers are now considering how best to bring the group to safety.

"We will not rush to take the lads out of the cave," the governor of Chiang Rai, Narongsak Osoththanakorn, told reporters, adding: "Whoever has zero risk first can leave the cave first."