In Thailand, all 12 boys and their soccer coach have been confirmed alive after going missing in a flooded cave network in northern province.

They entered the cave in Chiang Rai province on June 23rd and were believed to have become trapped after heavy rains caused floods that blocked the exit.

The round-the-clock search and rescue operation involved the country’s military and police.

Personnel from Japan and other countries also assisted. The heavy rainfall that hampered earlier search efforts subsided over the weekend. This allowed rescuers to pump more water out of the cave.

The governor of Chiang Rai last night said that the 13 were found alive at an elevated location some 5 kilometers from the cave’s entrance.

The governor expressed gratitude for the international support toward the rescue effort.