Four Boys Rescued From Flooded Thailand Cave

Four boys from a Thai soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand have been rescued by a team of 18 divers, officials said. 

The next phase of the rescue operation was set to begin about ten hours later. Officials say that would allow time for divers to replace air tanks and gear along their route out. 

Thirteen foreign divers and five members from Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit brought the boys through the harrowing, submerged passageways that posed challenges for even experienced divers. 

The first boy was brought out of the cave around 5:40 p.m. local time, and was followed by three of his team members a few minutes later. The boys had to face a perilous journey getting out of the cave, swimming more than a half-mile underwater before they were able to reach safety.

Three of the boys were taken to the hospital by helicopter, and one by ambulance, once they were out of the cave. 

There was no word on the boys' condition, but the head of the joint command center that's coordinating the rescue op said he met with the children and found them in "perfect" health, calling today's mission as the "best situation." 

Incoming monsoon rains had become a concern because they could flood the cave, depleting oxygen levels. Heavy rains soaked northern Thailand Sunday night forcing officials to halt the mission for the night. 

The operation to rescue the remaining eight boys and their coach, was called off until Monday morning.

Photo: Getty Images