Updated July 2, 2024 at 11:30 p.m.
On this day in 2018, rescue divers found 12 boys along with their soccer coach trapped in Tham Luang Nang Non cave complex in Thailand.
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How did the rescue divers locate the boys and their coach in the cave?
The rescue divers used a combination of methods to locate the boys and their coach. They employed divers, drones, and specialized equipment to search the flooded cave system. The boys were eventually discovered about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the cave entrance on a dry ledge.
How long were the boys and their coach trapped in the cave?
The boys and their coach were trapped in the cave for a total of 18 days. They went missing on June 23, 2018, and were found alive on July 2, 2018.
How were the boys and their coach rescued from the cave?
The rescue operation involved a large international team of divers, including Thai Navy SEALs and divers from various countries. They used a combination of strategies, including guiding the boys through flooded sections with the help of divers, setting up rope systems, and utilizing pumps to reduce water levels. Ultimately, the boys were brought out of the cave in groups using stretchers and a system of pulleys.
Were there any casualties during the rescue operation?
While the rescue operation was successful in bringing all 12 boys and their coach out of the cave, there was one casualty during the process. Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL, died while delivering oxygen tanks to the trapped group.