The news that all 12 boys and their coach have been rescued will come as a huge relief to millions in Thailand and around the world who have followed every step of this captivating story.
The boys – aged between 11 and 16 – ventured into the Tham Luang cave complex with their 25-year-old football coach, after a training session on 23 June.
It was dry when they climbed in but a sudden deluge of rain poured floodwaters into the cave, trapping them and forcing them to retreat further into the system.
News that they had gone missing sparked a massive search operation involving more than 1,000 people, with several expert cave divers from all around the world flying in to help out.
On 2 July, nine days later, British divers found the hungry and fatigued group huddled on a ledge in a cavern, sparking joyous scenes across Thailand.
Jubilation turned to grave concern after the military warned that the boys could have to wait for up to four months for floodwaters to recede before they could be rescued.
Divers brought food and other supplies, and a Navy doctor was sent in to care for the group.
On 6 July, former Thai navy diver Saman Gunan died after losing consciousness in the cave complex, where he had been delivering air tanks. His death underscored the dangers involved in the rescue operation.
Then on Sunday, Thai authorities decided they had to act, as fears mounted that the flooding would worsen under heavy rains.
And so a remarkable operation began to rescue the team. In three round trips, the boys were guided out by expert divers, navigating narrow and treacherous underwater passageways and pinch points so narrow that oxygen tanks had to be removed from their backs.
Four boys were brought out on Sunday, four on Monday, and the remaining four and their coach today.
Source: BBC
