Rescue forces on 1 July morning moved deeper in Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped for nearly a week.

Thai rescue force (Photo: Xinhua/ VNA)

According to the provincial governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, the US divers reached a T-junction in the depths of the flooded cave just about two kilometres where the boys are believed to be.

Thailand’s rescue force reached the same point earlier in the week but was forced back by rushing floodwaters, he said, adding that all efforts are being pushed to search for the team.

Rescue teams from the US, UK, Australia, China, Myanmar and Laos are joining the efforts.

On 30 June, Thai authorities conducted emergency operations in case of finding the soccer members.

The boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach entered the sprawling Tham Luang cave after a soccer game on 23 June. However, they could not go back due to heavy rain and flooding.

Local authorities still hope they could find a dry place to shelter.

From 29 June morning, boxes containing food and water, map, mobile phone were released into the water. It is expected to be picked up as the water flows toward the cave's mouth.

Police reportedly began dropping plastic boxes with essentials into a hole on the ground, hoping they will somehow get to the boys.

Tham Luang is one of Thailand's the longest caves. Tourists are warned not to enter the cave from July-November due to high risk of flood.

(Source: VNA)