The process of rescuing the 12 boys and football coach commenced at 10 am on Sunday, reports said.

'19.47 The 4th wild boar is out of the cave,' the Thai Navy Seal said on its Facebook page. The boys are members of the Wild Boar football team in Thailand.

Officials said the rescued boys were taken to hospital for treatment immediately.

Reports said 13 international cave diving experts and five Thai Navy SEALs are carrying out the rescue mission.

One of the first boys to emerge from the labyrinthine cave network in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, was Mongkol Boonpiem, 13, sources told Bangkok Post.

The boys have been arlifted to Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital in Muang district.

The news about the trapped team of 12 footballers and their coach first emerged last month.

The team had ventured inside the attraction while it was dry, but a heavy rainfall later inundated the area, making it difficult for the team to return back.

Following days of anxious waiting and searching, the team was found alive by British divers, more than a week later. 

Image: twitter.com/RichardBarrow