The operation to free 12 boys and their coach trapped in a cave in northern Thailand is running "smoothly", the head of the operation says.

What is happening at the cave?

Sense of remaining unease

Who are the boys and their coach?

• Chanin Vibulrungruang, 11 (Nickname: Titan) - started playing football aged seven
• Panumas Sangdee, 13 (Nickname: Mig), wrote to his parents: "The Navy Seals are taking good care of me"
• Duganpet Promtep, 13 (Nickname: Dom) - captain of the Wild Boars, reportedly scouted by several Thai professional clubs
• Somepong Jaiwong, 13 (nickname: Pong) - reportedly dreams of playing for the Thai national team
• Mongkol Booneiam, 13 (nickname: Mark) - described by his teacher as a "very respectful and good child"
• Nattawut Takamrong, 14 (nickname: Tern) - told his parents not to worry about him
• Ekarat Wongsukchan, 14 (nickname: Bew) - promised his mother he would help her at the shop once he was rescued
• Adul Sam-on, 14 - member of a volleyball team that came second in the North Thailand-wide tournament
• Prajak Sutham, 15 (nickname: Note) - described by family friends as a "smart, quiet guy"
• Pipat Pho, 15 (nickname: Nick) - wrote in his letter he wanted his parents to take him for barbecued food once rescued
• Pornchai Kamluang, 16 (nickname: Tee) - told his parents "don't worry, I'm very happy"
• Peerapat Sompiangjai, 17 (nickname: Night) - it was his birthday the day the boys went missing, and his parents have told him they are still waiting to hold his birthday party
• Assistant coach Ekapol Chantawong (nickname Ake), 25 - apologised in his letter to the parents, but they replied that they did not blame him

How did the group get there?

Race against the rain