All of the Boys and Their Coach Have Been Rescued From the Thai Cave!!

How’s this for some good news? All 12 boys, aged 13-16, and their soccer coach Ekkapol Chantawong have been safely rescued from the Tham Luang cave complex in Thailand after being trapped for 18 days. They entered the cave on June 23rd when the 2.5 mile passageway was dry—a flash flood filled the mountainous Chiang Rai province tunnel with muddy water and a strong current, trapping the children. Over the course of Sunday night and Monday morning, a team of 10 divers safely removed eight boys, who, the Guardian reports, appear to be doing well. The final four and Chantawong were saved early Tuesday morning.

The diving team practiced the treacherous rescue for days: Each trip through the cave takes about six hours with some portions so thin, they required the divers to remove their oxygen tanks.

The boys and their coach have been airlifted to the nearest hospital in the city of Chiang Rai, where they will remain for at least seven days. According to the New York Times, the boys run the risk of rare infection, so keeping them isolated is key until the doctors can release them. Thailand’s permanent secretary for public health, Jesada Chokedamrongsuk, said on Tuesday: “This morning, all eight [of Sunday and Monday rescues] are in good health, with no fever and in a good mood. They miss their home and they are happy.”

You might also remember that Elon Musk, the Tesla and Space X CEO who offered to develop a mini “submarine” to save the boys whilst they were already being saved by people who actually knew what the fuck they were doing, shared his congratulations on Twitter:

Here’s another Tweet that best illustrates my feelings on Musk’s empty gesture: