Rear Adm Arpakorn Yukongkaew, commander of the Navy SEAL Command, said the cave’s main exit has several narrow areas that remained flooded and are impassable for anyone not trained in diving.

He said rescuers have given the footballers high-calorie gels to restore their strength and may attempt to teach them to dive.

Divers are expected to lead a doctor to the area to give the team members a physical examination later on Tuesday.