The Thai cave rescue saga is finally over. The world breaths a big sigh of relief as the 12-member Wild Boars football team and their coach have been successfully rescued after being trapped in a cave in Thailand.
The rescue comes 18 days after the group became trapped in the cave. The Thai navy Seals, who have been running the operation, confirmed that all 13 were out. “We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science or what”, the Seals said on their Facebook page.
“12 Wild Boars and the coach out of the cave. Everyone safe,” the unit went on to say.
“Today Thai people, team Thailand, achieved mission impossible,” said Narongsak Osatanakorn, the head of the joint command centre coordinating the operation to applause and cheers on Tuesday evening, reports the Guardian.
Before 4pm on Tuesday (local time), the first of the remaining four boys in the cave emerged and was rushed to hospital in the nearest city of Chiang Rai. Confirmation of two more followed soon after.
Confirmation they were free triggered celebrations in Mae Sai, the location of the cave, and across the country. “I’m so happy,” Songpol Kanthawong tell the Guardian, 13, a teammate of the boys who narrowly missed being trapped along with them, forgetting to bring his bike to training the day the boys cycled out to the site with a picnic lunch.