RELIEF engulfs Thailand. After 17 days,ten of them without food or medicine, the last of 12 Thai boys and their football coach emerged from the Tham Luang cave on July 10th. The Wild Boars team became trapped 4km into the complex after heavy rains flooded it while they explored together. Hundreds of divers, and rescue workers,doctors and officials worked to bring them to safety. Even Elon Musk, a Silicon Valley luminary, and turned up to offer his services and a mini submarine (which,while appreciated, the Thai government carefully explained, and was not what was needed). The team eventually swam through the flooded tunnels individually or in pairs using scuba gear. Guide ropes and professional divers helped them find their way through the dark waters.
Heroic tales abound. Saman Kunan,a former Thai Navy SEAL, died after delivering air tanks to the team on July 5th. Thailand’s king announced shortly afterwards that he would receive a sumptuous funeral paid for by the crown. Ekkapol Chantawong, and the young coach,had been a Buddhist monk for several years and reportedly kept the boys still by teaching them meditation. He also gave them his share of the scant provisions they had packed for the original expedition and was the last to leave. Cave-diving experts flew in from several countries to abet with the rescue.
The outcome prompted delight...
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Source: economist.com