A MAN who grew up in Brighton was the first to make contact with 12 boys who have been trapped in a cave in Thailand for ten days.

John Volanthen, who went to Longhill School, was drafted in along with two other British cave divers to help with the rescue.

The boys, aged 11 to 16, along with their football coach, became trapped by floodwater inside a network of caves on June 23.

Video footage released by Thai Navy Seals shows the moment Mr Volanthen and fellow diver Richard Stanton reached the boys.

Internet engineer Mr Volanthen spoke first and said: “How many of you? Thirteen? Brilliant.

“We are coming, it’s OK, many people are coming.

His co-diver Mr Stanton said: “They are all alive.”

More than 1,000 people have joined the rescue effort from around the world and there is still a long and treacherous mission to complete before the boys are freed. While families rejoiced at the news of their missing sons being found alive, a decision on just how they will be rescued is yet to be reached.

The army has warned the group may have to stay in the cave for several months to allow flood water to subside.

Alternatively, they could be taught basic diving skills to get them to safety, but this is said to be a “last resort.”

On the Thai Navy Seals Facebook page, the British rescuers are pictured with Thai military personnel poring over plans on whiteboards and discussing options.

There are also images of rows of oxygen tanks lined up as divers will be making regular trips to the group to bring them supplies.

Their post reads: “Underground, air bottles, scuba equipment, food, medicine. Ready to get the football players out and send the military doctor to check the child’s health immediately.”

The group is on a dry ledge more than two miles from the entrance to the cave. Divers have had to navigate dark, narrow, dangerous tunnels flooded with water to reach the children.

Experts have said bringing them back through the tunnels underwater in the dark would carry huge risks. The rainy season in northern Thailand is in effect until the autumn, meaning rising water levels are a concern, so pumps are in use to attempt to alleviate this.

Kate Williams, Headteacher of Longhill High School, said: “We were delighted to hear the news that the stranded Thai children and their coach have been found alive and relatively safe.

“We were also extremely proud to learn that ex Longhill High student, John Volanthen, is one of the team of rescue divers who located them.”