One of the greatest rescues of all time. In this dumbed-down age, it's nice to hear about expertise.
58
This mission and its incredible story has hatched a profound spiritual awakening on Mother Earth. The incredible bravery and compassion that unfolded and witnessed by all will never be forgotten. In time, in history, 1000 years hence, this story will be told and acknowledged as a turning point for Mother Earth and the human race. The Divine, The Force, The Great Spirit, chose this cave in Thailand for a reason. All agree the Thailand people are quite special and of course, the root cause of this is their practice of compassion. For it is compassion what the world needs now. And love. There are lovers and there are haters, there are those that seek destroy, and there are those that seek to create. It is now time for all who seek to create to step forward and take a stand. We the human race are evolving. And evolve we shall. Create.
30
This will go down as one of the greatest rescues in the history of mankind. There is hope for world peace. Why is human life valued in rescue scenarios but not in so many others?
40
It is a wonderful story with a happy ending against all odds. Still, my heart goes out to the unsung hero, the volunteer diver who died while helping. Why aren’t we hearing more about him? He shouldn’t be just a footnote.
41
I am overjoyed at the rescue of the team and coach as well as the safe return of the rescue team. Two fundamental facts which generally relate to mass tragedies in the outdoors stand out. First the the boys and coach
left no itinerary or plan to trigger a search if they had not returned by a certain time. Second they underestimated the hazard.
7
Amazing story. It brings one to tears just knowing how our humanity could still be so fervent, despite this increasingly divisive world. Extraordinary things can happen simply when ordinary folks come together; when our intentions converge – let’s make more of these happen around the world, and continue to remind one another of our shared humanity.
Sincerest thanks to all involved for demonstrating our best to the next generations!
28
The kind of sentiment this is arousing all over the world, is very moving. I haven't yet heard one divisive remark, though probably that will come too.
It is a moving reminder that when diverse groups of people come together with a common objective, there is no limit to how much good they can do.
Climate change, immigration, genocide--they are not simple issues. But when different branches, different levels of interest and expertise, come TOGETHER, we might start to hope for practical and wonderful solutions.
29
Glad to see this reaction framed as one of the eternal questions. Impossible for me to find words adequate to describe the crosscurrents of terror and hope, despair and exhilaration that must have been part of this ordeal -- without help. Hearing someone else frame the same awful experience as a question is helpful as it brings Dante's struggle with this mystery to mind. The final lines of his Purgatorio offer us a worthy insight: "From those . . . waters I returned . . . reborn, a tree renewed, in bloom with newborn foliage, immaculate, eager to rise, now ready for the stars."
15
The courage, the unbelievable bravery displayed in this saga is just beyond words. Congratulations to the rescuers! You make some of us want to live in Thailand where it seems that people are better, more decent, more compassionate, kinder than in the U.S. these days. I have never been to your country, but it clearly produces many, many good people. You have much to be proud of. I wish our country could say the same today but all we can do is look to a people - you in Thailand - and give you our admiration and praise.
24
There are some commenters who seem to find it necessary in holding the coach culpable for the boys being trapped in the cave.
I wonder if the divers who put their safety in harms way also feel this way.
If the parents of the boys who thanked the coach for keeping them safe don't feel this way, then why should you?
29
It is difficult to express what this means at a time when
one's belief in the goodness, the love, the grace, of humanity is so sorely under siege. All were saved! You can read this account a hundred times and still be struck dumb and overcome by the sheer impossibility of it and with the realization that here, right here, something defining and lasting and redeeming has happened. Hold on to that.
37
Bravery all-round - I'm not sure that there's enough Xanax in the entire world for me to do anything like this!
12
Thank you NYT for this wonderfully written article! What an amazing human story of hope and survival, friendship and love, sacrifice and cooperation, endurance and equanimity. Makes you immensely proud to belong to the same species as the protagonists of this extraordinary ordeal do. A great article on BBC too - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44791998 !
20
Such a harrowing story, I'm still riveted a few days after their rescue. Thanks to all NYT staff and correspondents who brought such unfathomable details to light with insightful reporting and infographics.
16
This is a wonderfully detailed piece, thank you. It's so important for us to understand and reflect on how much trenchant work and bravery was involved, day after day, for this to succeed. It's a reminder of how much is possible when people work together for a common good. Not for power, nor victory, but good.
20
Perhaps it is impossible to overstate the awe and admiration, and one's gratitude toward the rescuers, Thai and others, who brought the boys and their coach to safety. The more one learns of the difficulties and of the skills and work put to saving these lads and their devoted coach, the more one is moved and impressed, is even tearful with gratitude. There seem to be heroes all over the scene -- of many citizenships and professions, including the boys and their coach, and the courage also of the Thai government to put so much into an effort that may have seemed hopeless to some. Elsewhere atrocities and hate devour us, but here, as one Thai official said, love came forward and won the day. The Wild Boars and all who put themselves into their rescue have won the World Cup. A beautiful shaft of light has cut through the darkness. "Brilliant!"
17
Unfortunately, one rescuer died. Nonetheless, that he died, the soccer team lived. Prayers to him and his family.
13
Thanks you. Wonderful to learn the details. What an achievement for all involved.
7
Very nice to see the world come together to rescue 12 kids, but I can't help but think why the same initiative isn't taken with every severe situation involving children world-wide. Hurricane Katrina comes to mind and its really amazing how an Air Force commissioner is mentioned in this article as a key to saving these children, yet the president (Bush 2) along with many other govt officials did the least possible to provide safety to an entire city of people. Not to debbie down this event, but I hope it inspires the same unification from authorities world-wide concerning any and every matter that poses harm to our children.
9
I hope the Times gets a Pullitzer for the wonderful coverage of this amazing story.
9
No words to say. Outstanding teamwork!
6
Several post lament that many (most?) Thai children never learn how to swim.
Well to those American adults pointing fingers at Thai parents, the statistics in the U.S. are reason for concern. Please note the most recent statistics I could find date to 2008, but I am inclined to think they have not improved dramatically in the past 10 years despite campaigns by several civil society organizations to promote swimming education.
Here is the link followed by an excerpt:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/0703/as-fewer-children-kno...
Knowing how to swim is a basic skill sorely lacking in the United States, particularly in minority populations. Seventy percent of African-American kids and 60 percent of Hispanic/Latino children cannot swim, according to data from the 2008 study "Constraints Impacting Minority Swimming Participation," which was commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation as part of its national Make a Splash children's water safety initiative. Meanwhile, numbers among white U.S. youth are pretty scary, as well: 42 percent of Caucasian kids cannot swim, according to USA Swimming statistics.
5
My parents loved the seashore, my father toured on a cruise ship, and never learned to swim. Growing up in LA in the 1950s, swimming lessons were mandatory. No idea if this is still the case. It’s not that hard to learn to swim. It just takes a local community effort to make it happen for all kids. Two 12 year old Vietnamese boys under supervision drowned in a pool in my neighborhood.
5
Your point is a very important one. I grew up in a once-robust midwestern U.S. city with many wonderful public swimming pools. Each of those pools provided free swimming lessons every summer and low-cost open swimming. When industries moved away and the city began to suffer from economic and social calamities, those pools closed one by one. I'm not sure if any remain. Most were in what would now be called "low income" neighborhoods and gave poor kids a healthy, wholesome place to go and the lessons were of lifelong value. Communities used to provide such "collective" marvels: great swimming pools, great libraries (that weren't just toilet/motel stops for vagrants!), after school and summer-school programs and other wonderful amenities. This is what civilized societies can do. In America they are just nostalgic memories. The rich provide for theirs and the rest of us are just suckers in service to their comfort.
8
Wonderful article on valor and bravery and deep caring for kids still left in our upside-down world.
11
I am so happy to hear that this mission turned out so positive! The fact that they were all found alive is a miracle, but due to a superhuman effort by divers, and associated personnel, this was a story humanity needed to reaffirm the goodness of people willing to put their lives on the line to rescue others! Despite Trump, we will survive!
8
This is humanity at its best. It is so wonderful to read about the deep wells of human caring, kindness and inventiveness in times of helping others in trouble. The world gathered with courage, hope, fortitude and strength to carry these boys and their coach to safety. It is the support of others that help us through difficult times. What is one of the most beautiful parts of this stunning story is that no one criticized the coach or had anything negative to say and that is the true depth of humanity.
30
One of the best articles the NYT has published with excellent detailed and credible. The visuals help a lot to understand the depth of humanity existed to make this work! Seriously... they carried boys for miles. Just amazing !
32
I'm glad that everything worked out for all the people in that case.
Nice to have some good news for a change.
8
Recently I happened to be looking at YouTubes about Everest rescues and especially the catastrophe of the 2006 season. This event in Thailand seems to be unlike any previous disaster rescue I can think of, except maybe the Chilean miners rescue, which didn't require so many rescuers to put their lives on the line. That is not to denigrate their success, as a great achievement of humankind, just like the Thailand Cave Rescue. Thanks for the fabulous reporting and the detailed documentary! I hope the Cave Kids, their coach and the divers get some share of the inevitable movie. PJT
8
Great story. Graphics were really helpful. Did this really happen?
Amazing.
11
The true power of our connection and shared humanity in this real-life story.
Nations coming together with commitment and courage to save the lives of 12 fellow human beings...
...this is who we are. No media, marketing, advertising or technology required.
What an inspiration. Thank you NY Times.
16
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-14/richard-harris-praises-everyone-in...
This is a very touching and eye opening story that really speaks to me. I first heard about this event when I was at work and I was really wanting to know more about it. Reading this gave me a much better detailed grip and understanding of the rescue plan that was put in motion to save this soccer team. I never realized the amount of people who helped with the rescue process before this article. I'm beyond glad to hear about this rescue and I hope this event could bring people just a little bit closer.
7
Love the idea of the rescuers collectively getting Noble Peace Price. At least Time’s Person of the Year. Some college needs to offer a full ride scholarship to the young boy—stateless, ethnic minority, living alone in Thailand with church Caregivers; speaks five languages—who acted as the translator.
And finally, where can we donate? To deceased divers family and/or rice farmers whose fields were flooded with the drained water, etc.?
Thank you, NY Times. Well done, everyone. The world really needed this story.
69
An incredibly gripping tale that wrested triumph from tragedy. A tribute to human ingenuity, sacrifice and love. Still crying every time I read the story - now for the fifth time.
22
What an awesome story. They're SO going to make a movie about this! Nice to finally see something positive in the news!
12
The boys and their coach really entered in my heart and mind. Thank what ever God you worship but double thank for the skills of the rescuers. And double thanks for the boys and coach who had the guts to help not hinder the rescue in spite of anti anxiety pills given to them. They are all each in their way, a hero.
This is all an inspiration to help us all to deal with the insanity now going on in the world and yes, I do mean trump. He tears kids and their families apart, Thailand fights to keep kids and their families together.
25
Great overview and detailed summary of the rescue! Bravo, New York Times reporters! This was worth my subscription.
11
Fantastic rescue operation! Bravo!
And a fantastic article. Thanks, NYT!
6
What about the coach?
2
He was also rescued. Last I think.
2
Of course there is no room to acknowledge all the individuals who contributed, but I should like to identify Dr Richard Harris and Mr Craig Challen. Dr Harris was the last person out of the cave and gave the medical all clear for each boy. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-14/richard-harris-praises-everyone-in...
23
look what can be accomplished when people work together
13
How, on the same planet, can we have people who risk everything, often anonymously, to save others, while our daily news is all about pop singers, child molesting politicians and billionaires with gold-plated toilet seats? Some of the proceeds from the inevitable James Cameron movie should go to the miracle workers who pulled this off.
19
This was fantastic reporting (never mind the actual story of the boys situation and their heroic rescue) and what I think of when I hear the word ”journalism”.
Excellent work Hannah, Richard and Muktita
30
Apparently the boys were sedated by the Australian anaesthetist, Dr Richard Harris, who is a renowned cave diver requested by the British team because of his experience. He was the last to leave the cave. No double there are many stories that will emerge in time.
35
This is a Pulitzer Prize worthy piece. Thank you.
17
Why can't I not read this story without weeping?
18
I'm with Kaew and believe that cave to be magic.
5
As someone who leans to the right of center (non sequitur opening), what I appreciate and respect about the NYT is the maintenance of journalistic integrity and an general aversion to the need to "get the story out first." Better to get it right than fast.
Back on topic, “'The most important piece of the rescue was good luck,' said Maj. Gen. Chalongchai Chaiyakham"... heroically modest, and yet so true. Here's to good fortune!
16
Thanks to the Times for the first demonstration I've seen of how difficult the route actually was. It took bravery on the part of everyone who was involved in the rescue, and if I believed in miracles, this would be one.
38
These boys will carry this experience the rest of their lives. I wonder how this will impact the balance of their lives? Hopefully the experience will help give them strengh and peace during any future hard time realizing they survived what may have looked like certain desk.
After 10 days of hunger and darkness with no sign of rescuers I expect I would conclude I was destined to die.
Thanks to those who exhibited the competence, courage, physical strength and willingness to work together to save those young lives.
It provides an inspiring example of what people can be.
23
After recent mass shootings, I realized that it is so DIFFICULT to save a life and so EASY to take a life.
Life is precious. Cheers to the heroes who saved these young lives!
44
Thank you for a vivid portrait of selflessness and courage, an uplifting affirmation that we are one human family.
19
Many thanks to the New York Times for the excellent coverage of this most compelling story of courage and endurance! Bravo
12
Finally a comprehensive explanation of this ordeal- thanks NYT! We use the word "hero" far too loosely in the USA. This was monumental heroism and courage. There is none greater and it's gratifying to know that people around the world worked together as human beings first, nationalities unimportant.
75
Spectacular rescue. I especially admire the humility of the rescuers in saying that they credit much of their success to luck, although I suspect that that's not true. Their incredible bravery and skill save those young boys and their coach. Hats off to all of them!
43
True bravery and courage shown by all involved. Reading this and fully realizing just how close they were to disaster at all times really got to me. What grit and determination everyone displayed!
24
Well written piece. It shows that people CAN work together in harmony when united in a common goal. I also appreciate the Thai take on things, avoiding blame-mongering. That fact is, bad stuff just happens. Now if this happened here...yes, the feel-good part would have happened. Then...you would see everyone lawyering up for the inevitable lawsuits. After all, we live in a country where there are MULTIPLE class action suits against Apple because of problematic keyboards. Hmmm. Maybe there is something to be learned here...
27
I so agree with this. I have thought about the collectivist values of Thai culture, along with the Buddhist tradition, and marveled at this miracle. I doubt such a rescue could have been successful in the selfish US. Other Times articles have told the stories of some of the boys themselves, many of them stateless and without parents. You are so right that every family would be suing everyone from the poor coach to the rescuers.
7
I simply don't understand how those boys were able to get that far into the cave without drowning, assuming they were fleeing the rising waters. Something doesn't add up here.
2
As I understand it, the monsoon rains hadn't yet started and the ground was dry. Once it started to rain, the boys found their route back to the entrance was blocked by standing, maybe rushing, water. So they retreated to higher ground, and continued to do so as the waters got higher.
26
Thank you, NYT, for an eye-opening explanation of this terrifying rescue. I couldn't picture it or understand the full dangers without this grafic and excellent reporting. Bless all those worked to save these boys and coach, including the lost Thai SEAL.
30
What an encouraging illustration of what humans can do when they cooperate toward a common goal. In our current poisonous political climate here in the U.S. of A., this is a wonderful piece of reporting. Thank you.
18
This event is so rich with analogies and examples for our woeful world today. A terrible calamity and misjudgment seems to have been the start of this event, but then what a reaction! The boys were literally reborn from the watery darkness deep in the earth. They were brought literally back to life by a team of men and women who gathered freely from around the world. The takeaway impressions for all of us seem to be competence, kindness, courage, focus, generosity and sacrifice. We all seem to agree, if humans can do this, why do anything else? For all these reasons, the rescuers should share the Nobel Peace Prize.
50
Yes! Yes!
4
what anti-anxiety meds were used?
2
This, my friends, is what it means to be a man. There's a job to do. A job you cannot fail at even though failure seems the most likely outcome. A job you may be afraid to do. But you step up to the plate and do the job.
There's no bragging about how great you are. There's no disrespect for women. There's no beating down of the already oppressed. There's no sucking up to enemies and picking on friends (are you listening, Donnie?) There is only doing what needs to be done.
Come to think of it, this is what it means to be a woman as well.
94
And yet....the rescuers were men. As are the great majority of people in highly dangerous professions.
Of 10,000 people who assisted, it is very likely that there were at least some women. It would be interesting to hear more of the facts. I did see a photograph of a U.S. military woman who was involved.
4
And yet, women give birth and outlive men on average.
Yep, the weaker sex for sure.
5
A huge "Thank You" to the New York Times for the wonderful reporting of this incredible story. One of my most cherished episodes is the one that tells the stories of the coach and the boy who was able to translate for the group, both of them "stateless" people. We need to remember this. These people are among the best, bravest, and most accomplished in the world. Thank you, NY Times.
67
I wonder if there is any way to make a donation to the family of the diver who lost his life trying to bring the young men to safety. What a hero!
Thank you to everyone who participated.
53
And how to make a donation to all the divers who risked their lives alongside the fallen diver. This was nothing short of spectacular.
3
This was started a few days ago, so far no donations. Maybe this will bring it some attention.
https://gogetfunding.com/in-memory-of-saman-kunan/
2
Hi,There was a commenter on Youtube who is from Thailand and cautioned there are many suspicious Go Fund Me type accounts that are taken down almost as soon as they are put up,so watch who you donate to dear lady and all the other readers.Maybe it would be wise to see if the King there has established a bona fide donation site.That's what I'm going to do.
This is why I LOVE The NY Times. This is an excellent, multi-media story well told. Viva legacy journalism/ists!
60
As the previous comment says, this is an incredible story I read it over and over. Everyone (the divers) the Thai navy seal who lost his life. You were under water in a cave for 5 hrs plus. God bless you all!! Its amazing to look at those images of how that operation went . During this awful times where we fear our own kind, we still have some hope of a better tomorrow..
28
The diagrams are great. They really show the extraordinary effort more than the maps or the videos. I also think the power of prayer - that is the prayers of the entire world - played a part in this miracle.
22
The reporting of this story is fantastic .
I hope parents in Thailand , who have been scared to give their children swimming lessons out of fear of drowning , will use this near tragedy to teach their kids to swim - like the brave Navy Seals who are real heroes!
16
Teach the children to swim? Maybe, though I would caution against someone in Philadelphia second guessing parents' decisions in a culture on the other side of the world. Also, being able to swim would not have helped at all in this situation. I certainly agree that the reporting is fantastic.
24
Point taken, but every responsible parent needs to have their child "waterproof", yet many are too busy to fulfill this major parenting responsibility.
2
Educate yourself : Read the multiplicity of articles about how drowning is very common in Thailand because parents do not teach their children to swim.
http://swimsafe.org/drowning/drowning-data/
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2018/06/05/drowning-still-no-1-ki...
1
As the days went by, the actions needed became more and more complex. It is an example of people planning and working together for a larger goal through intelligence, skill, and loving service to others. Would that we all remember their work as we face the present threats to our world.
35
Wouldn't happen in the US. There is no common goal, is there? Imagine the media covering it from their partisan perches.
1
I disagree. Our journalists are among the best, as evidenced by this article and every article written about the atrocities being conducted right here in the USA.
1
I seem to remember stories of great heroism and selflessness on a fateful September day in New York. We are a good, strong nation. Lazily painting the whole of our society with such broad brushstrokes undermines and dismisses the many deeply important, small, selfless acts most of us engage in on a daily basis. Building one another up, recognizing the good in others’ actions-this is where change begins.
1
This is such an uplifting story of courage, cooperation and determination leading to a successful rescue despite the incredible odds.
29
Great article.A feel good story that has lasting power. Bravo to the rescue team and the communities that rallied to support them. The coach did an amazing job keeping those boys alive. I hope we can continue to follow their stories once they go back to living their lives.
20
Thank you NYT for an in depth article on this, and gratitude to all of the courageous team-working, multinational rescuers.
18
Prayer works. And every human prays, at one time or other.
The Thai rescue effort was a very big deal, for all of us.
I think God is telling us something: "You pray, I listen, I respond."
Thanks be to God.
12
Well except when it doesn't work, which is at least as often. Counting the hits and ignoring the misses = religious faith (a delusion shared with gambling addicts, who selectively remember when they win and minimize or forget how often they lose).
7
The coach can now take a course in Sign Reading 101.
It's an amazing rescue story, necessitated by the coach's recklessness in disregarding a warning. A man died as a result.
5
Ah, yes, it feels so good to blame someone, doesn't it? I expect you have never made a mistake?
Lucky you.
33
From what I read there was no sign to read. The cave was not closed for the season.
ohdearwhatnow -- This wasn't a "mistake." It was a bad decision. One that cost a life, and that could have cost 13 more. I agree with Matt.
Wow. Just wow. All of our political differences are trivial in the big scheme of things.
7
I'm sure this is going to sound cynical, but this story is beginning to remind me of the "Baby Jessica" media circus 30 years ago.
They got trapped. They got rescued. I'm glad. Now let's move on.
With all of the truly important things happening right now, is this story really going to warrant front-page coverage for the next 3 months?
2
The ingenuity was extraordinary and I found this new piece fascinating. We'll move on, but let us bask a bit more in the loveliness of an international team working together to save some kids.
32
You want more stories about our incompetent, corrupt, lying thieving, conniving leadership???
30
This is the "final report" that many of us were awaiting, so I don't think you'll be bothered as much as that. However: This cooperative behavior is such a good example for all the world that yes, I think it should be celebrated for the rest of the year, at least.
25
Stateless kids protected by the Buddha. There’s a message here from the Almighty.
15
guardian angels galore!
3
A+ reporting, proud to support it with my digital subscription; now on to the stranded children in this county, not by an act of God, but by a man who thinks he is! Sad.
39
MOST. According to the New York Times, the rescue of the 12 boys in Thailand and their soccer coach from a partially-submerged cave system took “an amalgam of muscle and brainpower from around the world: 10,000 people, including 2,000 soldiers, 200 divers and representatives from 100 government agencies.” All to reunite parents with their children. That’s how much family reunification matters. Or how much it should matter. To everyone.
NOW. Let’s not lose the full scope of what happened in Thailand over the past two weeks. Along with an incredible rescue, Thai Navy Seal Samarn Poonan lost his life while diving to transport oxygen to the soccer team deep in the cave. It’s the ultimate sacrifice to give up one life for another; and while 12 families are being reunited this week, Poonan’s family is grieving. Or, maybe not. Death in exchange for life has meaning. And purpose. And will never be forgotten. In gratitude...
Catch what matters on our high school blog that presents our views and opinions: https://www.catchhighschool.com/catchwhatmatters/
3
LEAST. In a country as divided as ours is right now, stories of nations uniting to achieve a common goal are as critical as ever. Still, in my neighborhood, Black people kill Black people. And we traffic each other. Sell drugs to one another. And do everything, sometimes it seems, to hold each other back. Why? If, for two weeks, the entire world can come together to save 12 innocent children in Thailand, it has to be possible for the 16 blocks that make up my ‘hood to let each other live and thrive and grow up to do something great. Like save some strangers in Thailand.
Catch what matters on our high school blog that presents our views and opinions: https://www.catchhighschool.com/catchwhatmatters/
23
Please Hollywood (or Ken Burns); don't come-a-calling just yet. Let the world bask in the real glory a bit longer.
This story doesn't need retelling.
10
It is amazing the rescue worked, however i would like for people to use their common sense and intelligence ot keep them form doing stupid, foolish and just plain nonsensical things that get them in trouble. The monsoon started several weeks prior and rains let up a day or so before their cave venture. An adult in charge of supervising kids and all being local and knowing of the possiblities during monsoon season should have stayed away from that cave. But listening to interviews of the local kids regarding past excusions into that cave, caution went out the window. that's when an intelligent adult supervising them needed to have stepped in and said, "No"!, "too dangerous this time of year". Cheers to the rescuers, but cheers even more when people stop acting like cats(curiosity killed the cat)" as they say and street smarts and intelligence prevails. Please, none of this baloney, "they're kids, they get into trouble", blah blah. A worn out excuse. Time to evolve, not remain stagnant primitive beings.
4
It may have taken plastic cocoons and anti-anxiety pills and bravery, but I'm sorry, it did not take providence. Is it too much to ask for the New York Times not to attribute the rescue of this soccer team to the will of god?
9
It wasn’t the will of god. Human error and humanity to come together for a solution.
Pity you seemingly couldn't get confirmation from someone other than Prayuth of the use of anti-anxiety meds. It seems perfectly logical that they would have been used, but this is a military dictator with a track record for saying whatever's convenient at the time, so his word here, or anywhere else, is worth nothing.
2
The whole world watched and heald their beaths, every ticking minute. The last boys' coach is a true hero who kept his boys calm and hopeful in the worst possible situation. The rescuers, all of them heroes too, deserve our admiration, respect and gratitude for showing the world what can be achieved when everybody works together towards a common, good goal, nationality or religion notwithstanding.
I propose that the cave be renamed after Samar Guman, who risked all and lost his life in pusuit of saving The Wild Boars.
27
Yes!
All of these beautiful people worked together to rescue these children, and millions I'm sure prayed to God almighty for their safe return. Thanks be to God.
5
A wonderful, thorough article!
11
"Divine Protection"
Nonsense.
4
If their faith strengthened them and made them all willing to risk their lives, who are we to challenge them?
14
"Providence?" This does not belong in the NYT.
1
I believe no one is asking you to believe. The news of this day includes the beliefs of people who are not you.
18
I was not aware that the existence of a deity was accepted as reportable news - on A1 - no less, of the NYT. Exactly who or what was the source relied upon by the reporters to cover the “providence” that contributed to the rescue?
1
The article reported a local person's comment. That's different from asserting that a deity or divinity or any kind was actually involved.
4
Don't you just love heroic men and women sacrificing everything for nothing more than helping others? Don't you just wish we all had that kind of courage?
11
A story about success against all odds and contained in a report that represents the best in journalism.
8
This is an incredible story! So much went into saving each child, and all the helpers had an important role to play!
It took a great deal of courage on everyone's part to come up with a plan and bring it to fruition!
As the Brits say, "Brilliant!"
18
As someone who is a certified diver, I am amazed at the bravery and planning that went into this rescue. I am also reminded of the danger of doing this type of thing when I think about the one diver who died during the rescue. These folks are professionals and it says a lot about the danger that even with the amazing amount of training there is still so much that one cannot account for.
For another view of deep cave diving listen to this clip from TAL: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/515/good-guys/act-three
9
I never even knew there were cave divers.
Such a great, well-written story. Thank you.
7
Thanks for reporting these details, NYT. It's even clearer now just how difficult and heroic these rescues were.
11
“The most important piece of the rescue was good luck,” said Maj. Gen. Chalongchai Chaiyakham, the deputy commander of the Third Army region, which helped the operation. “So many things could have gone wrong, but somehow we managed to get the boys out.”
“I still can’t believe it worked,” he said.
Such a refreshing display of humility and gratitude.
36
Incredible act on a global scale.
Human nature at its best.
Shouldn’t we Americans at least “try” to treat as many of the world’s children in ways similar when we encounter those moments?
13
This amazing rescue effort restores a bit of my faith in the goodness of humanity. It is a welcome relief from the constant grunge and hostility spewed out by our administration every day.
12
Even though this story dominated much of the news cycle for the past week or two, I never tire of reading about the unprecedented amount of courage, determination, and heroic effects made by everyone involved. This story serves as a powerful reminder that good still exists in the world and total strangers are willing to put their own lives and safety ahead of their own.
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked untold hours, days and weeks to help these boys and their coach. Most importantly, thank you to Saman Gunan for your gallant efforts. I love you guys.
37
People are fundamentally good. This proves it and we need to remember this and it does not need to be politicized. Sometimes people do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. RIP the lost rescuer but his family shows and the world acknowledges that he is a hero. Something we need more of.
22
The selflessness and bravery are astonishing, but so too was their good luck. This so easily could have ended in complete catastrophe. I'm so very glad for the families of the boys.
14
A truly courageous effort, with miraculous results. Everyone involved are heroes. Would just love to know why the boys ventured so far into the cave to begin with. And I'm sure their parents do too!
2
They clearly stated they were outrunning the unexpected flooding.
They had been in the cave other times; it is apparently a popular place for kids to go.
...............and didn't the article say there were signs at the entrance saying that they should not enter in the rainy season.
I am happy it worked out although one person did die.
I think someone was very irresponsible to enter the cave to begin with.
1
With all due respect to this well-reported heartwarming story, the plight of desperately endangered multitudes of Rohingya and Yemeni would seem to deserve equal and timely coverage.
But then, they’re not trapped in caves...
6
I understand what you're saying, but we could "cherry pick" other groups of kids from all over the world all day long. Let's just appreciate this moment!
I truly hope he and the young coach, and the other "stateless" boys are helped in some meaningful way, by the good feelings around this rescue.
11
This entire rescue is testimony to the notion that there really isn't a problem out there that we as a species can't solve if we use our brains, work cooperatively and respectfully, and engage our imaginations. Would that we could motivate ourselves to make better use of our faculties on a more regular and sustained basis.
60
What a beautiful story of skill, imagination, determination, and the unselfish desire to serve. Hundreds of people, from different backgrounds, social status, and abilities, worked together for a solution to a problem. We desperately need this spirit in our current climate of bitterness and hate.
34
What a beautiful demonstration of skill, kindness and loving. I am in awe of those who risk their own lives to make a celebration possible. Carolyn Shawgo, M.S.
15
This is definitely a very interesting article. It is a true miracle that the SEAL team successfully rescued these soccer boys out of the cave. There were so many things that could've gone wrong and yet the rescuers and rescuees remain calm and had hope of completing this mission. The boys also showed great calm, courage and patience for being put in the situation they were in. What I still don't understand though is how they got so far in the caves without realizing that they were in danger. They had been in these caves before so you would think they would realize that they were in more danger than the last times. The main thing though is that everyone got out safely. I am very relieved that everyone was okay throughout these fearful days.
2
Having been in the caves myself in the dry season, it seems very plausible, in the rainy season, that after entering the caves (they are a common tourist attraction as well as a right of passage for many young northern Thai children), a torrential downpour would lead very quickly to flooding within the caves. The last paragraph of this article suggests that water (whether from heavy rain or a burst pump) flowing into the cave can quickly lead to unmanageable water levels. These kids could not swim, and so their instincts were to run away from the water (i.e., deeper into the caves toward higher ground) rather than towards it (i.e., toward the cave opening). I'm sure they knew they were in danger, but if you can't swim, you have no choice but to run away from rising water.
13
Early on, a reputable news outlet reported that it was a rite of passage for boys to enter the cave, leave their names on a wall, and then leave. The coach had brought in boys before to do this. Leaving their cleats and backpacks behind indicate they hadn't planned on being inside very long--although they did bring snacks. That, coupled with the explanation above about outrunning the water, probably led to this near-disaster.
7
Pure genius! "Brilliant!"
6
In order to save 12 lost boys, a rescue team was "assembled from...around the world: 10,000 people participated, including 2,000 soldiers, 200 divers and representatives from 100 government agencies." How many people are currently working on saving the 2,000 (or is it 10,000?) migrant children currently "lost" to the intentionally cruel US government separation policy?
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The boys in the cave were not there because their parents illegally smuggled them into the cave.
2
I'm guessing a half dozen. Priorities, you know.
Those were my exact thoughts. Or the hundreds of children dying of malnutritionin Yemenand other oarts of the world.
1
Time to close the cave off for the foreseeable future to children.
7
WHY?
Are you also for banning all cars due to the huge number of deaths from them?
o, no, no, no. Time to think about what makes a rainy season come early. Climate change? This cave is perfectly fine for exploration when it is not the rainy season. You can't make the whole world safe, nor should you. But we should keep the world habitable; it's the only world we've got.
7
Congratulations! Well done. Too bad the Trump incompetents didn't show the same drive and ingenuity when the people of Puerto Rico needed their help.
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Every so often humans do something unambiguously good, and the NY times does good international reporting. Not sure how this happened in the first place, just one death (heroic) is pretty remarkable. The gods were apparently similarly transfixed.
12
What else can you say but, "Incredible!"
3
An amazing rescue!
1
How about a followup story on how the boys are doing? Are they still in the hospital? When will they be able to go home?
6
A wonderfully written and diagramed article, but then typical of NY Times. Thank you
dru
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Amazing!
1
One feels just awe. I do wish the press would give as much focused attention to the re-unification of migrant children and their families. A different kind of rescue, but rescue just the same.
41
I must say I was afraid to read the entire story of escape for fear of succumbing to my own fears. I would hope that humanity and all the world should just get together like this for something like global peace, and an instead of, to use a euphemism, the possibility of wasted youth… Like some raggedy punk rock bands’ name
2
I recommend that this cave be closed forever.
1
I sure hope the cave isn’t closed permanently. The human drive to explore and seek the unknown is very strong and makes us who we are. Just because a plane crashes at an airport, we don’t permanently close the airport. Just because an explorer was never heard from again when entering an unknown land, doesn’t mean that no one should ever enter those lands.
Yes, sometimes it claims lives. Yes, sometimes people need rescuing. Yet when we care and rescue others we show our best sides.
13
Start with Yosemite, where climbers die everyday to reach its top.
3
Perhaps you're not serious in your comment but in case you are: NPS reports that there were 16 total fatalities in Yosemite in 2016. If I had spent more time I could have found out what subset of that number was climbers. Close Yosemite to climbing because of the death toll? Nonsense. https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/statistics.htm
5
HEROES!
11
Just a request - could you make it possible for us phone users to click the picture(s) of the diver's sketches so that we can pinch them bigger so we can actually see them? Some eyes are less able than others...
(Thanks)
7
‘Still Can’t Believe It Worked’: The Story of the Thailand Cave Rescue
This week in the times, this article about the 12 boys from a Thailand soccer team and their coach were finally rescued from the deep cave. I really liked this article because it showed how when people are in trouble, the whole world can come to help. In the article, it states that 10,000 people participated those of which including 200 divers and representatives from 100 government agencies. This article left me relieved after I had heard of the incident on the news and it also amazed me to see so many people come together to help someone when they needed it the most, no matter if they put themselves at risk. Unfortunately, one retired Thai Navy SEAL diver named Saman Gunan died while trying to rescue the boys when the air in their oxygen tanks ran low. Gunan can be labeled as a hero for dying while trying to help save other people.
12
Axel is great.... pack soul, I said darn Siri… Peroxy teen can you get that one right Siri? Well, I use it, and it helps with my worry about untoward people. Although the effects of that drug peroxotine do take a little time to take a effect, so I guess that’s what the days and weeks before the rescue were about. Good job! I wonder if they found any other skeletons down there or if this is going to happen anytime in the future soonly?
Well, it sure affects your thought process and capability to write cohesively.
Tragedy is the precursor Unity - Unity is the conclusion of Hope.
1
This hopeful story demonstrates how we can work together as a global community, now if we can only rescue each other from nationalism, intolerance, poverty, war and greed that would truly be remarkable!
8
Thank you for this reporting. It was amazing to read. So many challenges to overcome. And somehow they were saved. I needed to read this instead of all the bad stuff. I need to reaffirm my faith in humanity now and then in this crazy world.
11
Given, as you point out, that "Tham Luang Cave is a rare place where a person can become completely isolated. There is no GPS, no Wi-Fi, no cellphone service" I am surprised that your article does not recognize the critical innovative communications contribution by an Israeli technology company that allowed the first responders to establish a communications network that worked in the cave system and supported their rescue efforts. Hopefully that omission was an oversight and nothing more sinister.
8
Khxbkhun. Thai for thank you.
I am an American who does not know the Thai language. But I needed to be able to say thank you to the leaders of Thailand for this rescue mission that touched all humanity.
Thirteen individuals will lead a life that the outcome was so unknown. Thank you to all 10,000 involved, all the countries around the world. We honor the diver who gave his life.
This is the story of my summer, my century, my life. I will always remember this humane event. No one will ever be forgotten.
What can I say? Khxbkhun.
13
This is what can be accomplished when humanity works together for good, as opposed to the barrage of selfishness and greed that regularly appears in the leading headlines of the media. Sad that it takes a possible tragedy to bring the world together.
11
Unimaginable bravery; the very best of humanity.
5
The Thai Navy SEALS and the others who gave frelye of themselves are global heroes. So many countries helped in some way. Just shows what is possible when we work together toward a common, positive goal.
3
Thank you to the rescue workers whose bravery and ingenuity inspired the world.
8
I was once in an underground tunnel connecting a WW II bunker, when the guide turned off the lights. You cannot imagine the utter blackness with *no*ambient light from the stars, moon, distant streetlights, or even your tech equipment. After just a couple of minutes, it was intolerable. Now imagine being lost, cold, hungry... for more than a week in utter darkness. These boys and their coach are tremendous survivors.
33
Buddha works in mysterious ways.
4
Incredible rescue. Congratulations to all is in order.
3
My enduring and unanswered question revived by the stories concerning the fate of some of these young men as well as the children from Central America separated from their families is what state do "stateless" juveniles/young adults belong to? (The protocol should have been set in the case of the Jewish children from Europe harbored in England during the WWII years.)What about the DACA kids -- when will Congress decide to IMO do the right thing and grant them citizenship. (If they had been born here, they would have that status.) and in the future???
3
I truly hope that young boy and the young coach, and the other "stateless" boys are helped in some meaningful way, by the good feelings around this rescue.
When I read of Trump’s demagoguery at the Brussels NATO meeting, his belligerent anti-press put-down of Jim Acosta at a news conference in Britain, when I read how Trump criticized at a rally in Montana two old politicians who are sick, both war heroes, George Bush and John McCain, when I compare these sick antics (of hundreds I could have chosen from) of our American President to the courage, dare I say, nobility, of the rescue divers who saved the lives of the Thai soccer team, I can say with confidence and pride that Trump can’t measure up to them but that, in the end, it doesn’t matter, for there are millions and millions of people in the world just as brave and respecting of life as the Thai soccer teams’ rescuers.
25
Thanks for politicizing an otherwise wonderful story. Realize that many, many of your fellow Americans support this President. Get. Over. It.
1
It bears repeating that Trump was among the first to volunteer to help rescue the Thai soccer team. He would have risked his life to save those boys, only it was determined that he might not fit in the tightest passages. If he got stuck, he would block the only escape route, so that plan had to be abandoned, much to Trump's regret. It would only be a few days that he'd be stuck, of course, before he'd lose enough weight to get unstuck. But time was of the essence here. Why haven't you heard this story before? Trump is simply too modest to admit it.
16
Brilliant satire!
5
Brilliant. I think he would have raced in without a mask or tank too. It's in his DNA to put others first. The most selfless man ever.
2
Amazing planning and execution. Sure there was some luck, but I think they made their own luck for the most part.
7
This comment reminds me of Mark Twain's, "The harder I work, the luckier I get."
1
This is true heroism. I am in awe of the 10,000 people who helped, the volunteers from around the world, and the sheer bravery and fortitude of the rescuers. And the boys… to survive for weeks in the dark, sipping on rainwater - what wonderful, resilient, heroic young men. I tear up every time I read about this. I hope that there are counselors available for the boys and the rescuers after such a horrifying ordeal.
9
What impressed me most, is that there seems to have been no display of hysterics on the part of the boys. On the contrary, they showed great calm, courage and patience.
45
Agreed. The young assistant coach Ekkapol Chantawong, who taught them to meditate, can certainly take a lot of credit for their positive state of mind.
13
It was wonderful to see and hear about people working together for a good cause: rescuing some boys and a coach who were in trouble. Now, if only our governments could learn to do the same thing. It's commonly called cooperation.
18
My question is how did they get so deep into the cave in the first place? Sure, it was dry when they went in, but it looks like a daunting scramble anyway. They were not properly equipped for such a trip, but they obviously had confidence in their ability to find their way out.
5
I think the reason they were so deep in the cave is the rising waters forced them in deeper. How far in they had voluntarily gone is good question that hopefully their coach will answer.
4
nothing but good can come of this.
nothing but faith in humanity
nothing but love of another
nothing but the urgency of living a generous and full life.
44
That sounds like a blessing for us all.
Nothing but good can come of this!
5
This beautiful, inspiring story, happening amid a reawakening of totalitarianism, reveals something new to the American sensibility - suppression of information without apology. All the stories about this rescue, between the lines, have written into them the journalist's doing their best job with limited transparency. Yes there was a need to keep the rescue arena clear. But deeper than that, there are the things that were not said, the information that did not escape, the controlled timing of information, the eerie sameness of reporting even from diverse sources. We are going to see more and more of this as time goes on in this brave new world. The dynamic tension between security and freedom has settled on the side of security, at the cost of liberty, and the silence around how this story was so tightly controlled is telling of how far we have fallen from the bright open window looking out onto that potential golden age of democratic freedom, the one we almost found a doorway into before we were pulled back by the ankles into the locked room. So glad these boys are free, and wishing that we - including the military dictator-controlled country they live in - were free too.
5
Frankly, I'm glad they cleared the media as it would have been a huge distraction. It also seems they respected the privacy of the boys and the families much more than the American media would have.
53
I agree with Anne. In this case I think the media restraint was appropriate, not to mention refreshing. More detailed information along the way would have achieved nothing of value and might have discouraged or distracted the rescue team and its subjects.
32
Most rescue operations have limited media operations while the rescue is taking place. The exceptions are disasters in public places (9/11, etc, rescuing Jessica from the well, etc). It wouldn't do anyone any good for a minute by minute analysis of what's taking place a mile deep into a cave. I wouldn't want them to spew information for the public, as the focus should be, and was on the actual rescue. This isn't a facebook video scenario, it's a serious rescue with many lives at stake.
11
Congratulations to all who were in the successful search and rescue of people who needed timely help to save their lives and restore their health.
Success was not the result of "thoughts and prayers" but from knowledge, science, engineering, experience, and organization of resources to solve problems urgently because the window of time was closing quickly.
It required personal bravery and willingness to put the safety of others above personal safety, the essence of "heroism."
Would a financial analysis of the cost of the rescue show that someone else should not need to pay for others' follies? Or that people who expose themselves to harm through risky behaviors should pay a price for their actions and errors in judgement?
Everyday, people have accidents, unplanned illnesses, and injuries that require knowledge, science, engineering, experience, and organization of resources to solve, and lack of appropriate and timely treatment causes death and disability. It always costs someone money to prevent loss of human life and disability. In our country the cost of human life is calculated in dollars. People without access to insurance paid healthcare pay with their suffering, disability, and lives. Their families and communities pay as well.
Organized resources to meet human problems should not be left solely to those whose only motivation is "quarterly earnings," "bottom line," or "profit."
Employer based health insurance is a failure. The answer is Medicare for all.
113
Why does someone always look for an angle to criticize people who have faith and believe in prayer? Maybe it doesn't help, but it certainly doesn't hurt anything. And many people with knowledge of science and engineering skills have some kind of faith (whether Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, whatever). Faith and intelligence are not mutually exclusive.
6
No, it doesn't hurt anyone, but it confuses people who don't understand or know anything about science or technology. They are often left thinking that magic thinking will fix whatever needs fixing. A deadly belief.
6
When this all began, I was reminded of Plato's cave allegory, where those who live in the darkness of the cave, turned away from the light, are loath to believe there is light or anything beyond the cave and what they know.
It seemed beautifully symbolic that in these very dark times of lies, selfishness and "fake news," that the extraordinary mental, physical and spiritual bravery of these boys and their rescuers shined like a beacon, revealing the true power of grace, goodness and light.
145
In a world of meaningless YouTube and reality show celebrities, this is a celebration of something that is sorely lacking today; skill.
175
In this year of so much toxic masculinity it was truly awesome to see these men act with so much courage, tenderness, humility, and ingenuity. And to see these boys and their coach act with faith, love and friendship for each other. All the thousands of volunteers, men and women. And the diver who gave his life, the ultimate in generosity of spirit and love for his fellow humans. I think that young man in the cave who spoke English, with no nation-state to call his own but speaking all the languages, is the future!
361
I truly hope he and the young coach, and the other "stateless" boys are helped in some meaningful way, by the good feelings around this rescue.
5
I am just so happy at the successful outcome and the amazing united efforts given by everyone (the Thai SEALs, the British divers, the American team, etc...) to save these 12 boys and their coach.
How hopeful to see that such value was given to LIFE regardless of race and class. My heart and eyes swelled whilst reading this great reporting. Kudos to all.
63
What an amazing example of what humanity can achieve when they set aside their petty differences to work together towards a common goal. I am in awe of the bravery and heroism of all the rescuers who risked their lives to find and rescue those boys, the Thai military who often slept on muddy ground without tents as they assisted the rescue effort, the local Thai people who - valuing the boys more highly than their means of income - sacrificed the rice fields they depend on to the water being pumped out of the cave, the international volunteers who flew in from around the world at their own expense to help in the effort, the locals who fed the rescuers, the media who brought attention to the situation, and all the people around the world who anguished and prayed, adopting those boys as though they were their very own in complete disregard of their race, color, and whatever other superficial differences exist between us. The world would be so much more beautiful if this was how we worked together every day!
167
These rescuers and their many helpers showed what is possible in the face of nearly overwhelming odds. They saved far more than 12 children and one coach, they helped save our faith in human goodness.
230
Beautifully said, M.
4
This is a very excellent article. Thank you and all the amazing people involved in such heroic efforts.
85
I have been so moved, as well as brought to tears, by this incredible rescue story of tragedy, hope, heroic effort, joy and a happy ending amid so many great challenges. Given how deep into the vast cave system the boys and coach had retreated, I am still amazed they were found at all.
85
Quite the most amazing display of courage, ingenuity, skill and faith. I am in awe of these extraordinary brave people. They have demonstrated the qualities of mankind at its very best. We will people like this to navigate and lead us throughe the very dangerous and uncertain future we have created for ourselves.
148
No doubt there will be a movie about this some day. This captured the imagination of the entire world and rightfully so. Whenever I heard about it or read anything about it, it brought tears to my eyes. Just imagining what was going on in the minds of those young boys. So happy it all turned out for the best.
82
Yes, although I'd love it to be a documentary with actual footage interspersed with interviews of the boys and rescuers and local villagers. I like seeing the real people engaged in the event.
17
I hope not!!! We don't need merchandizing of this event!
I spent two summers working at Mammoth Cave. On tours, we would turn out all the lights for a minute or two. The darkness is overwhelming. Some people would hyperventilate in seconds and beg us to turn the lights back on. It is one thing to be without food for that much time. That is hard. There was water. How they survived the darkness without losing their minds is something I find incredible. That coach keep his team together. They survived. it was a great world effort to save something instead of making war and destroying something. It makes you proud to be a human being. I wish we could all work together like that, especially the Americans and the Chinese. I hope lasting friendships were made and those friendships will continue, so we can do more good things together.
507
Henry's comment sums up my thoughts as well. Look what we humans can do when we just cooperate. And no one country had to play the archetypal savior role. There was room enough for plenty of heroes.
There's so much misery and complexity in our world, this would certainly be a model for addressing other tragedies like starvation, violence, drought and disease.
276
I had my doubts that the Thais could pull off this complicated and dangerous rescue. I'm glad that they had the help of the US, UK and others.
3
NYC Taxpayer: I doubt any one country--including the US-- could have pulled this off without international help. And I credit the Thai culture for how graciously the boys, the coach, the local villagers, etc. handled this incredibly stressful situation.
268
When people can be like this, why do we choose to be anything else?
Just a stunning event, from the brave calm of the children to the almost unbelievable sacrifice and skill displayed by the international dive community.
Jon Krakauer, get cracking on a non-fiction book!
307
The bravery of the seals and divers from all over the world is a profound example of international humanity at its finest.
Now let's find those kids separated from parents at our borders and return them to their parents!
Amazing work by everyone involved. It gives me hope that when needed the people of the world can work together to preform this incredible rescue! Why don't we all cooperate like this everyday to work and solve the problems that affect us the people of the world?
66