Six boys rescued from Thai cave as crews battle clock to save others

SIX boys trapped in a Thai cave for more than two weeks have been rescued as a race against time continues to save their pals.

The young footballers have been taken to a field hospital at the entrance before being rushed to hospital but are said to be "alive and well".

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Rescuers are frantically working to free six other young footballers and their coach from the flooded cave in the "extremely dangerous" operation.

If all goes to plan, the group - aged between 11 and 16 - could emerge one-by-one by tonight, officials said.

Eighteen divers have been sent in to complete the mission and lead the stricken youngsters out of the underground labyrinth as monsoons move in.

Rescue chief Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters: "Today is the D-day. The boys are ready to face any challenges."

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To escape, the boys must dive through dark, narrow passageways sometimes no more than two feet (0.6 metre) wide, that have challenged some of the world's leading cave divers.

Authorities have said it takes roughly 11 hours to do a round-trip from the cave entrance to where the boys are huddled on a muddy bank. The earliest they will emerge, accompanied by two divers each, will be 3pm.

The trapped boys have sent tear-jerking letters to their parents pleading with them not to worry.

Delivered by divers last night, the notes tell their families they are being well looked after.

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t comes as the coach who organised the ill fated trip has apologised to the boy's parents.

Ekapol Chanthawong, the 25-year-old coach of the Wild Boars football team, wrote: "To the parents of all the kids, right now the kids are all fine, the crew are taking good care.

"I promise I will care for the kids as best as possible. I want to say thanks for all the support and I want to apologise to the parents."