Mae Sai, Thailand: Four boys among a group of 13 trapped in a flooded Thai cave for more than a fortnight were rescued on Sunday, authorities said, raising hopes elite divers will quickly save others.
The first two boys emerged about nightfall from the Tham Luang cave complex after navigating a treacherous escape route of more than 4 km through twisting, narrow and jagged passageways. They were followed shortly afterwards by two others, leading to an explosion of jubilation on social media in Thailand and around the world as the rescued boys were rushed to hospital.
“Four of them came out,” a defence ministry official said.
Foreign elite divers and Thai Navy SEALS on Sunday morning began the complex operation to extract the 12 boys and their football coach as they raced against time, with imminent monsoon rains threatening more flooding that would doom the mission.
“Today is the D-day. The boys are ready to face any challenges,” rescue chief Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters near the cave site on Sunday morning.
The group became trapped in a cramped chamber deep inside Tham Luang in a mountainous area of northern Thailand on June 23, when they went in after football practice and got caught behind rising waters. Their plight transfixed Thailand and the rest of the world, as authorities struggled to devise a plan to get the boys — aged between 11 and 16 — and their 25-year-old coach out.
The rescue of the first four was a stunning victory in an operation Narongsak had earlier dubbed “Mission Impossible”, and led to cautious optimism that the others would also be saved.
Timeline
Saturday, Jun 23:
The youngsters, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach enter the Tham Luang cave during heavy rains after football practice. They are reported missing by a mother after her son does not come home that night. Local officials find bicycles locked to a fence and shoes and football boots close to the entrance.
Sunday, Jun 24:
Park officials and police find handprints and footprints believed to belong to the boys. Relatives start to keep a vigil outside the cave.
Monday, Jun 25:
Thai Navy SEAL divers enter the cave in search.
Tuesday, Jun 26:
Divers reach a T-junction several kilometres inside the cave but are forced back by rushing floodwaters
Wednesday, Jun 27:
Over 30 American military personnel arrive. They are joined by three British diving experts who enter the cave but quickly retreat due to heavy flooding.
Sunday, Jul 1:
Divers inch further into the cave, as an operating base is set up inside and other supplies are pulleyed in.
Monday, Jul 2:
Finally, a miracle: the 12 boys and their coach are found alive late on Monday evening about 400m beyond Pattaya Beach.
Tuesday, Jul 3:
Much-needed food and medical supplies reach the boys.
Thursday, Jul 5:
In a sign of increased urgency, authorities say expected rains may force a complex rescue quicker than first thought. A team of bird's nest collectors scour the mountainside in search of new openings.
Friday, Jul 6:
Tragedy strikes: a diver helping to establish an airline to the boys dies after passing out while returning from the chamber.
Saturday, Jul 7:
Rescue operation chief Narongsak Osottanakorn says it is "not suitable" yet to have the boys dive to safety.
Sunday, Jul 8:
Authorities announce that, with more heavy rain expected soon, the extraction operation has begun.
