Coach Trapped in Cave Apologizes to Boys' Parents

The 12 boys trapped in a Thailand cave have been able to write their first note to their families in two weeks. Their message: We're fine. Hungry, but fine. "Don't worry, everyone is strong," says the handwritten message brought out by a rescue diver, reports the Australian Associated Press. "When we get out of here, we want to eat many things," says the message. "We want to go home as soon as possible." The boys' 25-year-old coach, meanwhile, had a separate message of his own: "To the parents of all the kids, right now the kids are all fine, the crew are taking good care," writes Ekapol Chanthawong. "I promise I will care for the kids as best as possible. I want to say thanks for all the support and I want to apologize to the parents."

Authorities say the boys are not ready yet in terms of their diving skills to attempt an underwater evacuation through the cave complex, though the timetable would be hastened if it begins to rain heavily again. Coach Chanthawong is no stranger to hardship, reports News.com.au. In 2003, an epidemic in his northern Thailand town killed his parents and 7-year-old brother—his entire immediate family. Relatives cared for him, before sending him to live at a Buddhist temple, where he remained for a decade. (Elon Musk is now investigating whether his Boring Company can assist in the rescue.)