The second phase of a rescue operation has ended for the day, with more than half of the Thai soccer team rescued from the cave.

A total of eight boys have now been brought out of the cave complex.

Twelve young boys and their soccer coach were trapped in a cave in northern Thailand by floodwaters more than two weeks ago.

They are part of a youth soccer team known as the Wild Boars.

The rescue operation began Sunday and has been progressing rapidly.

Four were rescued Sunday and another four were rescued on Monday.

Witnesses say the boys freed Monday were treated at a make-shift hospital at the site, before being taken to a local hospital.

The rescue mission is expected to resume Tuesday morning local time to bring out the remainder of the team.

Rescuers are moving ahead quickly because they are afraid monsoon rains will completely flood the caves.

Four boys and the coach are still trapped.

Families have not been told which boys are free, so all parents have agreed to remain at the cave until the entire team is rescued.