Jump directly to the content

SPACEX boss Elon Musk has tested out mini-subs to help the Thai cave rescue - and vows to send them TODAY.

The 47-year-old tech whizz posted videos to Twitter of divers in a swimming pool dragging the submersible tanks.

 Elon Musk has been testing a mini-sub to help in the Thai cave rescue
7
Elon Musk has been testing a mini-sub to help in the Thai cave rescueCredit: Twitter

He wrote: "Do you remember my tweet from yesterday? The one with the promise to show something? Well, here it is."

Musk added: "Mini-sub arriving in about 17 hours. Hopefully useful. If not, perhaps it will be in a future situation."

Elon tested the equipment in a pool at the Palisades Charter High School.

He is sending engineers with “advanced ground penetrating radar” in a desperate bid to help the young footballers trapped in a Thai cave.

The 47-year-old was asked on Twitter yesterday whether he could help the 12 youngsters who have been stranded in the flooded cave for nearly two weeks.

 Musk has vowed to send the sub to Thailand within the next 17 hours
7
Musk has vowed to send the sub to Thailand within the next 17 hoursCredit: Twitter
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk unveils the company's newest products
7
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk unveils the company's newest productsCredit: AP:Associated Press
 The footage showed divers in a swimming pool manoeuvring the mini sub
7
The footage showed divers in a swimming pool manoeuvring the mini subCredit: Twitter

He said that two of his firms, The Boring Company and SpaceX, had the equipment which was “pretty good at digging holes”.

Mr Musk also suggested a way which could help the boys and said a 1m diameter nylon tube could be used.

He said it could be “inflated with air like a bouncy castle” which would create an “air tunnel underwater”.

James Yenbamroong, founder of satellite communications provider mu Space Corp, said that he was contacted by SpaceX who are trying to help.

He tweeted: “SpaceX team reached out to us today to help connect to Thai govt.

“Our team connected and provided some prep feedback to your team.

“For pumps, cave has narrowest 70cm cross section and about 5km to 13 guys. For vertical drill, it’s about 1/2 mile down and tricky.”

The rescuers have devised a plan to evacuate the boys quickly
7
The rescuers have devised a plan to evacuate the boys quicklyCredit: Reuters
 The young footballers could be lifted out through a secret passage instead of having to swim out
7
The young footballers could be lifted out through a secret passage instead of having to swim out
 Time is running out for the group of young footballers who are being taught to swim and scuba dive
7
Time is running out for the group of young footballers who are being taught to swim and scuba diveCredit: EPA

Yesterday, six boys trapped in the cave were rescued as a race against time continues to save their pals.

The trapped boys could be forced to escape underwater because a torrent of floodwater is now imminent.

Heavy rain could start in the coming hours and divers will have to fit breathing masks on the boys if the water rises in the caves.

Earlier efforts to pump out water from the cave have been set back every time by heavy rain and a quick underwater evacuation now looks likely.

Earlier efforts to pump out water from the cave have been set back every time by heavy rain and a quick underwater evacuation now looks likely.

Speaking outside the Tham Luang caves in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai provincial Gov Narongsak Osatanakorn, admitted the boys have not had enough time in the few days since searchers reached them to learn diving skills.

When asked if they were ready to go, he said: "Not today because they cannot dive at this time."


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Topics