Must Read Hooyah! Mission accomplished - Rescuers lead final four boys and their coach to freedom

[webfact]

Hooyah! Mission accomplished

By THE NATION

 

A helicopter is preparing to airlift another survivor of Tham Luang stranding, who had been stranded inside the flooded cave since June 23, to a hospital yesterday.

 

Rescuers lead final four boys and their coach to freedom

 

“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE” was the term used to describe the complicated rescue operation at the flooded Tham Luang Cave. It culminated last night with the successful rescue of the last four of the 12 trapped boys and their football coach.

 

The success was announced after the final batch of stranded footballers was evacuated safely to Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital.

 

 

The unprecedented mission was completed on the 18th day of an all-out rescue effort involving several countries from around the globe.

 

The whole world has been fixated on the unfolding drama at the cave complex in Chiang Rai province ever since news broke that flash floods had trapped 12 boys from a local football team and their coach on June 23. 

 

The intensive and highly dangerous operation to rescue the trapped group faced several formidable obstacles, including downpours, muddy floodwater, thin air, darkness, narrow choke-points and jagged and submerged sections in the cave complex.

 

A Royal Thai police ambulance evacuates a cave trapped boy to hospital after he was rescued from the Tham Luang cave, Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, 10 July 2018. According to reports, all 12 boys of a child soccer team and their assistant coach have been rescued and evacuated to a hospital, 13 members of a youth soccer team including their assistant coach have been trapped in Tham Luang cave since 23 June 2018. // EPA-EFE PHOTO

 

However, when all 13 footballers were found alive at a dry spot about five kilometres from the mouth of the cave on July 2, a desperate race to extricate them before monsoon rains deluged the cave began. 

 

The flooded Tham Luang cave was treacherous and the mission was not without its tragedy, with former Thai Navy SEAL Samarn Kunun perishing while replenishing air canisters in the cave for divers last Friday. 

 

Some of the world’s best cave divers have gathered at the cave in recent weeks for the mission.

 

The evacuation required that the stranded survivors not just trek but also dive through muddy floodwaters, negotiating submerged passages that narrowed to less than 40 centimetres wide. The stranded were in safe and experienced hands, however; two specialist divers accompanied each of them through their difficult journey to freedom. Other support staff were also on hand to help ensure everything went smoothly. 

 

 

According to the rescue operation chief Narongsak Osottanakorn, the United Nations also dispatched many experienced divers to help. 

 

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who visited the rescued boys on Monday night, confirmed yesterday that the stranded footballers were given medication to prevent anxiety and panic – identified as a key danger – while being evacuated. 

 

“But of course, they were conscious,” he said. “When I visited them, I also told them to be good citizens.”

 

As members of the evacuation team became increasingly familiar with the treacherous complex of Tham Luang, the evacuation operation reportedly became smoother and faster as days went by. 

 

On Monday, the evacuation of four boys took 11 hours. But on Tuesday, the evacuation of the next four boys took just nine hours

Yesterday, rescue planners brought all five remaining members of the stranded survivors out in less than nine hours. The youngest footballer, an 11-year-old boy, and the coach were in the last batch. 

 

After their evacuation, the medic and three Royal Thai Navy SEALs who had accompanied the stranded team then made their way out.

 

The medic, who has not yet been identified, is thought to be Army doctor Colonel Pak Loharachun, who was seen in a video clip with the stranded boys and reportedly stayed to take care of the group. 

 

An ambulance transporting alleged members of the children's football team approaches the hospital in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on July 10, 2018 after being rescued in Tham Luang cave. All 12 boys and their coach who became trapped in a flooded Thai cave more than a fortnight ago have been rescued, the Navy SEALs announced on July 10, completing an astonishing against-the-odds rescue mission that has captivated the world. // AFP PHOTO

 

As of press time, the first eight boys to emerge from the cave were in relatively good health but still in hospital. The first four evacuees had already removed their eye-protecting sunglasses and had started taking solid food. 

 

All evacuees were blindfolded as they were moved from Tham Luang to the hospital, to protect eyes that had not seen sunlight for two weeks. 

 

The successful rescue of the young footballers and their coach is a cause for joy not just their families but also for the countless number of people around the world who have been following the drama on television and other media. 

 

Schoolmates of the rescued boys are also said to be excited about the prospect of welcoming them back. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30349786

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-07-11

[Samui Bodoh]

Were I a gambling man, I would have bet loads that some or all wouldn't have made it out of the cave.

 

Thank God I was wrong.

 

Well done everyone.

[sirineou]

39 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Were I a gambling man, I would have bet loads that some or all wouldn't have made it out of the cave.

 

Thank God I was wrong.

 

Well done everyone.

 I will admite that after they had not being found for a week I was very pessimistic also , never have I being so glad to be wrong.

Congratulations to all involved, Job Well Done!!  

[webfact]

'Nobody thought we could do it': rescue of Thai boys accomplished

By John Geddie and Panu Wongcha-um

 

Rescue workers take out machines after 12 soccer players and their coach were rescued inTham Luang cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, July 10, 2018. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

CHIANG RAI, Thailand (Reuters) - Rescuers freed the last four of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach from deep inside a flooded cave on Tuesday, a successful end to a perilous mission that gripped the world for more than two weeks.

 

The "Wild Boars" soccer team, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped on June 23 while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai when a rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels.

 

"We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what. All the thirteen Wild Boars are now out of the cave," the Navy SEAL unit, which led the rescue, said on its Facebook page, adding all were safe.

 

British divers found the 13, hungry and huddled in darkness on a muddy bank in a partly flooded chamber several kilometres inside the Tham Luang cave complex, on Monday last week.

 

After pondering for days how to get the 13 out, a rescue operation was launched on Sunday when four of the boys were brought out, tethered to rescue divers.

 

Another four were rescued on Monday and the last four boys and the coach were brought out on Tuesday, prompting rounds of spontaneous applause as ambulances and helicopters passed.

 

Celebrations were tinged with sadness over the loss of a former Thai navy diver who died on Friday while on a re-supply mission inside the cave.

 

"I want to tell the coach thank you so much for helping the boys survive this long," said one Chiang Rai woman wearing a traditional dress, tears brimming in her eyes.

 

"I remember all of their faces, especially the youngest one. He's the smallest one and he doesn't have as much experience as the others... I felt like he was one of my own children and I wanted him to come home."

 

Rescuers brought out the last five on stretchers, one by one over the course of Tuesday, and they were taken by helicopter to hospital.

 

Chief of the rescue mission Narongsak Osottanakorn addressed reporters at the end of the 17-day mission, arriving at a media centre to a round of applause.

 

He confirmed that a medic and all navy SEAL divers involved in the rescue mission had also left the cave safely.

"Nobody thought we could do it. It was a world first," he said. "It was Mission Possible for Team Thailand.

 

"POWER OF LOVE"

"The heroes this time are people all over the world," he added, referring to the multinational team that assisted in the operation.

 

"This mission was successful because we had power. The power of love. Everybody sent it to the 13."

 

Officials said details of the rescue operation would be revealed on Wednesday.

 

The eight boys brought out on Sunday and Monday were in good health overall and some asked for chocolate bread for breakfast, officials said earlier.

 

Two of the boys had suspected lung infections but the four boys from the first group rescued were all walking around in hospital.

 

Volunteers from as far away as Australia and the United States helped with the effort to rescue the boys. U.S. military personnel also helped.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the rescue.

 

"On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the Thai Navy SEALs and all on the successful rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the treacherous cave in Thailand," Trump said on Twitter.

 

"Such a beautiful moment - all freed, great job!"

 

Authorities did not reveal the identity of the boys as they were brought out. Parents of the four boys rescued on Sunday were allowed to see them through a glass window at the hospital, public health officials said on Tuesday, but they will be quarantined for the time being.

 

The boys were still being quarantined from their parents because of the risk of infection and would likely be kept in hospital for a week for tests, officials said earlier.

 

GRAPHIC: http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/THAILAND-ACCIDENT-CAVE/0100711G258/index.html

 

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um, Juarawee Kittisilpa, Patpicha Tanakasempipat, John Geddie and James Pomfret in CHIANG RAI, and Aukkarapon Niyomyat, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Chayut Setboonsarng in BANGKOK; Writing by James Pomfret; Editing by Robert Birsel and Nick Macfie)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-07-11

[Dexlowe]

What an incredibly boring front page lead and wrap-up by The Nation. No passion, no drama, no emotion and no celebration, just a bland and boring summation of what we already know. Thick mud. Fortunately, it doesn't ruin the elation we all feel. 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[zyphodb]

Great job, well done...

[colinneil]

Fantastic result well done a big thank you to all involved.

Not just the divers who risked their lives, but all the hundreds of peopl, the ladies cooking, the ladies washing clothes, many more to numerous to mention,

 

Also let us not forget the Thai diver who gave his life trying  to get the boys out.

A true hero. 

Edited July 11, 2018 by colinneil

[jaiyen]

"We are not sure if this is a miracle, science or what"

"The mission was successful because we had power, the power of love"

"Mission possible for Team Thailand"

 

Pathetic quotes ! It was achieved because of the skill of Team World ! It was no miracle, it was skill and bravery.  If left to Thais only,  the kids would all have been wearing magic amulets and left in the cave.  Still a backward country that believes in ghosts, magic and voodoo. Hope they have learnt a lot from this.

[Polaky]

This story certainly got the attention of the worlds media, well done to all involved, now that we all breath a sigh of relief perhaps more attention can be focused on the tragedy in Phuket.

[overherebc]

1 hour ago, Dexlowe said:

What an incredibly boring front page lead and wrap-up by The Nation. No passion, no drama, no emotion and no celebration, just a bland and boring summation of what we already know. Thick mud. Fortunately, it doesn't ruin the elation we all feel. 

I reckon knowing they're all out is enough for the moment.

Wait for the movie if you need drama and excitement.

Sad that one of the divers lost his life.

[peperobi]

Good!

[chainarong]

For a prognosis result of zero at the begining, well done everyone,  special thanks to Dr Richard Harris and Craig Chelham who's pivotal role ensured the Wild Boar Boys came home , Thank U

Edited July 11, 2018 by chainarong

[kannot]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

I also told them to be good citizens.”

conform obey...............its "They Live" for real

[kannot]

41 minutes ago, jaiyen said:

"We are not sure if this is a miracle, science or what"

"The mission was successful because we had power, the power of love"

"Mission possible for Team Thailand"

 

Pathetic quotes ! It was achieved because of the skill of Team World ! It was no miracle, it was skill and bravery.  If left to Thais only,  the kids would all have been wearing magic amulets and left in the cave.  Still a backward country that believes in ghosts, magic and voodoo. Hope they have learnt a lot from this.

just  like  all  religions  then, so  most  countries

[kannot]

41 minutes ago, Polaky said:

This story certainly got the attention of the worlds media, well done to all involved, now that we all breath a sigh of relief perhaps more attention can be focused on the tragedy in Phuket.

its  ok  theyre  only Chinese

[transam]

It is heartwarming to think "farangs" from all over the globe left their homes and risked their lives to help those in difficulty in a far off land.

And risk their lives they did, as we know one Thai guy paid the ultimate price doing the same thing..

I take my hat off to all involved, farang and Thai, you have my/our admiration...

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, colinneil said:

Fantastic result well done a big thank you to all involved.

Not just the divers who risked their lives, but all the hundreds of peopl, the ladies cooking, the ladies washing clothes, many more to numerous to mention,

 

Also let us not forget the Thai diver who gave his life trying  to get the boys out.

A true hero. 

 And all the people in Thailand and around the world with all their interest, good wishes and positive energy.

With all the negativity and divisiveness lately, this experience brought us   all a litle closer together .

 

Edited July 11, 2018 by sirineou

[darksidedog]

It all seems a little surreal this morning, everyone got out and is safe. Ten days ago, before they had been found, While I was still hopeful, the recognition that a lot of time had passed, was causing much concern. It seemed that getting them out was Mission Impossible. Just goes to show what can be achieved through cooperation and determination. A marvelous result for the boys and the Nation.

I hope a permanent memorial will be erected at the caves to remember the bravery of the entire rescue team and especially Samarn Kunan, who tragically lost his life trying to save others.

[Juan B Tong]

Hooray!

 

Let the Chinese zero dollar tours begin!

[DukSiam1]

I celibrated but now I'm concerned.

The boys are supposedly rescued and in hospital BUT...

There are no pictures of them.

There no pictures of the actual rescue operation.

There has been no indepth interviews with the rescuers.

There was only a short video of finding the boys who did not seem that tramatised.

And another video of dabbing orange stuff on a healthy food and leg.

Did we actually land on the moon?

Did the twin towers fall because of fire?

I'm concerned.

[Oziex1]

So happy they made it out, a result of the great skill, determination and professionalism of the rescue team. I wish the boys and their coach a speedy recovery.

[NextStationBangkok]

That is a great help by International volunteer team, who helped Thailand.

 

Thailand should not think all Farangs come to Thailand to take over Thai's jobs.

Many of them are here to save Thailand, or help Thailand to grow, including the ones teaching English for the lowest of the lowest salary for a Farang.

Value the human being and the life, rather than enforce the rules, and insulting their profession by arresting them.

There are many rural schools need English language teachers, your X-Ray should not hurt the rural poor. Let some one help them and rescue them from poverty.

 

[NextStationBangkok]

22 minutes ago, Juan B Tong said:

Hooray!

 

Let the Chinese zero dollar tours begin!

Ripoff !

[transam]

6 minutes ago, DukSiam1 said:

I celibrated but now I'm concerned.

The boys are supposedly rescued and in hospital BUT...

There are no pictures of them.

There no pictures of the actual rescue operation.

There has been no in depth interviews with the rescuers.

There was only a short video of finding the boys who did not seem that traumatised.

And another video of dabbing orange stuff on a healthy food and leg.

Did we actually land on the moon?

Did the twin towers fall because of fire?

I'm concerned.

Sounds like you need a Chang or two....

[TKDfella]

Man, I recon it was a publicity stunt as the rescue appears to have gone from possible months to everyone out in a few days. I am joking of course. The rescue team have done a brilliant job and I cannot praise them enough. Sad that rescue team lost one of its own. 

[55Jay]

10 minutes ago, DukSiam1 said:

I celibrated but now I'm concerned.

The boys are supposedly rescued and in hospital BUT...

There are no pictures of them.

There no pictures of the actual rescue operation.

There has been no indepth interviews with the rescuers.

There was only a short video of finding the boys who did not seem that tramatised.

And another video of dabbing orange stuff on a healthy food and leg.

Did we actually land on the moon?

Did the twin towers fall because of fire?

I'm concerned.

There's always one.

[smileydude]

1 hour ago, jaiyen said:

"We are not sure if this is a miracle, science or what"

"The mission was successful because we had power, the power of love"

"Mission possible for Team Thailand"

 

Pathetic quotes ! It was achieved because of the skill of Team World ! It was no miracle, it was skill and bravery.  If left to Thais only,  the kids would all have been wearing magic amulets and left in the cave.  Still a backward country that believes in ghosts, magic and voodoo. Hope they have learnt a lot from this.

Yes definitely, skills, ingenuity, experience, cooperation but more importantly will, determination and bravery.

As for the ridicule of Thai cultural superstitious beliefs, well I’m sure where your from they also believe in ghosts, the omens of walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella inside, and the numbers 13 and 666 perhaps??

 

If becoming cynical, grumpy, and racist is part and parcel of growing old in a foreign country then shoot me now.

[PEE TEE]

Great news .well planned operation . 

[JHolmesJr]

I have to say I was sceptical of any endeavour that involves thais (and sophisticate machinery)....happy to be proved wrong.