The operation to free 12 boys and their coach trapped in a cave in northern Thailand is running "smoothly".

The head of the operation says four boys have been brought above ground so far in good health.

The mission has now been paused for at least 10 hours as air tanks need to be replaced.

Rescuers decided to go ahead with the hazardous operation yesterday because of fears of rising waters.

The next phase would begin this morning, after relaying all of the air tanks and all systems along the way.

A team of 90 expert divers ‑ 40 from Thailand and 50 from overseas ‑ have been working in the cave system.

[Source: BBC]