For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails
The young footballers rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand have been told to “make the most” of the second chance at life they have given by the heroic efforts of an international rescue team.
Doctors said on Thursday that the boys are recovering well from infections they suffered during the 17-day ordeal, and earlier consented to the first footage of the children being broadcast around the world.
The clean-up at the Tham Luang cave complex continues, with the site not expected to reopen to the public for at least six months.
But as he departed the site in northern Chiang Rai province, the commander of the jubilant Thai navy Seals unit that led the rescue stopped to leave a message to the “Wild Boars” team.
“Make the most of your lives. Be good people, be a force for good for your country,” Rear Admiral Apakorn Yuukongkaew said in a message to the boys, before he boarded a flight.
He added: “Hooyah,” the military rallying cry that has been picked up and adopted by a nation in Thailand, as they followed every update on the rescue issued by the Seals online.
Health officials said the boys would spend at least a week in hospital and about 30 days recovering at home. The video of them, released late on Wednesday, showed smiling patients wearing face masks and hospital gowns, giving peace signs to the camera.
The boys’ families have at last been given permission to visit them, albeit wearing protective gowns and masks. The two boys rescued in the first group on Sunday who were diagnosed with a lung infection were recovering well, the Thai health ministry said, while three boys from the last group have ear infections.
Thailand cave rescue operation: in picturesShow all 100 1 /100Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The 12 boys and their coach in the cave
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A rescue team stands in the entrance to the cave
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A relative shows a picture of the boys after they were found on 2 July
AFP/Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military inside the cave complex
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The 12 boys and their soccer coach who were rescued from a flooded cave arrive for a news conference in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand,
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The boys and their soccer coach rescued from a flooded cave play soccer
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The young footballers and their coach appeared healthy when they appeared before the media for the first time since the rescue
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Coach Ekapol Chantawong
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The 12 rescued members of the Wild Boar soccer team are greeted by their classmates on a mini soccer pitch
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescued Thai football coach Ekkapol Chantawong together with 12 children pays tribute to Thai navy diver, Samarn Kunan, who died whilst attempting to rescue the boys
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Twelve young footballers and their coach rescued from a Thai caves being treated in hospital
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescued soccer team members posing with a sketch of the Thai Navy SEAL diver who died while trying to rescue them
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Players writing messages on a drawing of former Navy SEAL diver Saman Kunan who died during attempts to rescue them
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescued "Wild Boars" football team members (top row L to R) Adul Sam-on, 14, Ekkarat Wongsukchan, 14, Phipat Photi, 15, Chanin Wiboonrungrueang, 11, (middle row L to R) Pornchai Khamluang, 16, Duangphet Promthep, 13, Peerapat Sompiengjai, 16, Sompong Jaiwong, 13, (bottom row L to R) Mongkol Boonpiem, 13, Prachak Sutham, 14, Nutthawut Thakamsong, 14, and Phanumas Saengdee, 13, recovering at the hospital in Chiang Rai province
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The life vest belonging to Duangpetch Promthep, the rescued captain of the "Wild Boars",
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Divers from the rescue mission, from left to right: Chris Jewell, Mike Clayton, Rick Stanton, Lance-corporal Connor Rae, Josh Bratchley, Gary Mitchell and Jim Way who helped to save 12 schoolboys and their football coach from a flooded cave in Thailand, speak to media after arriving back at London's Heathrow Airport
PA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Volunteers gather for a ceremony before the clean up operation at the Tham Luang cave
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The last four Thai Navy SEALs come out safely after completing the rescue mission inside a cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. Thailand's navy SEALs say all 12 boys and their soccer coach have been rescued from a flooded cave in far northern Thailand, ending an ordeal that lasted more than two weeks.
Royal Thai Navy/AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures People celebrate
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A woman lifts her child near the hospital, seen at left, as ambulance transporting members of the children's football team arrives
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Volunteers react after hearing all boys were rescued
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue personnel work at the Tham Luang cave
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue personnel work at the Tham Luang cave
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Onlookers at the junction in front of Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital watch and cheer
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Journalists celebrate after a news conferenc
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures An ambulance, reportedly carrying members of the rescued football team, arrives at a hospital
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai Navy divers in the Tham Luang cave
Thai Navy SEAL via Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue personnel work at the Tham Luang cave
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai media listen Chiang Rai province acting Gov. Narongsak Osatanakorn
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Police and military personnel use umbrellas to cover a stretcher near a helicopter and an ambulance at a military airport in Chiang Rai as rescue operations continue for those still trapped inside the cave in Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in the Mae Sai district. Four boys among the group of 13 trapped in a flooded Thai cave for more than a fortnight were rescued on July 8 after surviving a treacherous escape, raising hopes elite divers would also save the others soon
AFP/Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military medical personnel walking inside a restricted area as preparations are made to transport rescued boys from Tham Luang cave to a hospital
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai authorities placing a rescued boy in an ambulance
EPA/Chiang Rai
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Paramedics, believed to be carrying a boy who has been evacuated after being trapped inside a flooded cave, approach a helicopter in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai Tourist Police via Reuters
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures This frame grab from video tweeted by Elon Musk shows a "tiny kid-sized submarine" being tested in a pool at Palisades Charter High School, in California. Musk's Space X rocket company tested the submarine that could potentially help rescue the remaining children and their coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.
Elon Musk via AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military personnel preparing to move the boys to a hospital
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Emergency workers carrying one of the boys rescued from the cave
EPA/Chiang Rai
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai nurse walks past an ambulance at a covered area of the Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Indian schoolchildren hold placards and pictures during a prayer event for the safe rescue of young football players and their coach
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures An ambulance exits from the Tham Luang cave area
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A military helicopter carrying rescued schoolboys approaches to land at a military airport in Chiang Rai.
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A group of volunteers prepare to leave in search of alternative entry points to the Tham Luang cave area
AFP/Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai soldiers drag a water pipe to bypass water from the mountain and to not get back inside the cave
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Hundreds of rescuers with equipment continue the rescue operation
Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Monks lead out family members of the boys from the cave site after a morning prayer
Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai rescue workers take a break
AFP/Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Water pumps push water out of the cave
Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives, of the 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach trapped inside a flooded cave in the Tham Luang cave complex cook, for rescue workers and volunteers near the cave complex
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue teams carry water pipes to the entrance of cave complex
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai soldiers and police officers are seen as rescue operations continue for the 12 boys and their football team coach trapped in Tham Luang cave at Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province on July 7, 2018. More than 100 chimneys are being drilled into the mountainside in a frantic bid to reach a Thai youth football team trapped in a cave complex below, the head of the rescue mission said on July 7
AFP/Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Family members pray in front of a Buddhist statue near a cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand Saturday, July 7, 2018. The soccer coach trapped in a cave with 12 Thai boys apologized to their parents in the first letter he and the team have sent out through divers, in which the boys say they're doing well and missing their families
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military inside the cave complex
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Australian Federal Police and Defense Force personnel talk with a Thai diver
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A rescuer prepares a light for diving to reach the 12 boys and their soccer coach
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Soliders are seen near the Tham Luang cave complex, where 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach are trapped inside a flooded cave, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Water is pumped from a flooded cave
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai rescuers rest during the ongoing rescue operation
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military personnel inside a cave complex
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue teams assemble at the entrance to the Tham Luang cave complex
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai Navy soldiers in the flooded Tham Luang cave during rescue operations
AFP/Getty
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Local Thai National Park Rescuers relax at base camp
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Journalists work near Tham Luang cave complex
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai policeman guards an area under rainfall
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai policeman guards an area under rainfall near the Tham Luang cave
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Divers gather before they enter to the Tham Luang cave, where 12 boys and their soccer coach are trapped, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai military bring water pumps to the cave. Videos released by the Thai Navy SEAL shows that the boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach are in good health in Tham Luang Nang Non cave and the challenge now will be to extract the party safely.
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures An honour guard holds up a picture of Samarn Kunan, 38, a former member of Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit who died working to save 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped inside a flooded cave, at an airport in Rayong province
Reuters
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Military personnel are seen in front of the Tham Luang cave
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The former navy SEAL diver, Saman Kunan, who died trying to help save the trapped boys
Saman Kunan/Facebook
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue workers convene behind a large pile of oxygen tanks
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Buddhist monk leads military honor guards carrying a flag-draped coffin containing former Thai Navy Seal Petty Officer 1st class Saman Kunan, who died in the ongoing Tham Luang cave rescue operations, during a repatriation ceremony at Mae Fah Luang international airport.
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai students pray for the ongoing rescue operations
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai soldiers and police officers pay their respects as a Thai Navy plane carrying the body of Saman Kunan takes off
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Rescue workers prepare frogsuits for soldiers
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The diver's death raises serious doubts over the safety of attempting to bring the 12 boys and their football coach out through the cramped, waterlogged passageways of the Tham Luang cave.
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Family members pray before a shrine in Tham Luang cave area
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A family member prays before a shrine in Tham Luang cave area
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai rescue teams use headlamps to enter a pitch-black cave complex where 12 boys and their soccer coach went missing, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, Monday, July 2, 2018. The group was discovered late July 2 after 10 days totally cut off from the outside world, and while they are for the most physically healthy, experts say the ordeal has likely taken a mental toll that could worsen the longer the situation lasts.
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The mother of a trapped child reacts during the ongoing rescue operations
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Family members pray before a shrine in Tham Luang cave area
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Grandmother Kham-aoey Promthep, 64, shows a photograph of her grandson, Duangpetch Promthep, who is one of 13 members
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A Thai student shows an image of her classmate Panumas Sangdee, who is one of 13 members of a soccer team trapped
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Buddhist monk Kruba Boonchum visits the site to perform religious rituals
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visits the site
REUTERS
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures British cave-divers (from left to right) Richard William Stanton, Robert Charles Harper and John Volanthen join the rescue effort
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Divers prepare for the rescue mission
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures A rescuer enters the cave
AP
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures The father of one of the missing boys thanks soldiers after the boys are found
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives celebrate after they hear that the boys have been found
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives pray after they hear that the boys have been found
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Relatives celebrate after they hear that the boys have been found
AFP/Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures General Bancha Duriyaphan announces the news to the press
Getty Images
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures With the rescue mission still ongoing, Thai soldiers carry equipment into the cave
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures With the rescue mission still ongoing, Thai soldiers carry equipment into the cave
EPA
Thailand cave rescue operation: in pictures Water is being pumped out of the flooded cave complex in an effort to make the rescue easier
Getty Images
Elsewhere on Thursday, Thai navy Seals arriving back at the U-Tapao civil-military airport in Rayong province, near their home base, were given a heroes’ welcome when they touched down.
Those involved in the rescue were give large garlands made from marigolds as navy officers and proud civilians stood by. Some well-wishers at the air base prepared red roses.
“All Thais are proud of you ... You have made a name for the Seals unit,” a senior navy official told those gathered.
And in London, one of the world-leading British volunteer divers involved in the rescue played down his heroics as he touched down at Heathrow.
There have been calls for John Volanthen and Rick Stanton to be honoured after they were the first divers to reach the stranded group after more than nine days lost and uncontactable in the underground network of twisting tunnels and chambers.
Mr Volanthen, an IT consultant in his forties, spoke of the “relief” he felt at seeing the boys rescued and was modest about his part in the extraordinary feat.
“We were very pleased and we were very relieved that they were all alive but I think at that point we realised the enormity of the situation and that’s perhaps why it took a while to get them all out,” he told Sky News.
He added: “We are not heroes. What we do is very calculating, very calm. It’s quite the opposite.”
Mr Volanthen also paid tribute to Thai navy diver Saman Kunan , who died while replenishing oxygen canisters, saying his death brought a “bittersweet” taste to an otherwise “excellent” operation.
Mr Kunan is to receive a royal-sponsored funeral ceremony. In an Instagram tribute on Thursday, his wife Valeepoan Kunan wrote: “I love you so much.”
“I miss you,” she added. “I love you like you are my very heart...from now on when I wake up...who will I kiss?”
During the rescue, some Thais said on social media that the soccer team had been reckless in entering the cave during the monsoon season. But Ms Kunan absolved them of responsibility. She told reporters: “I want to tell the boys; please don’t blame yourselves.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies