Thai Cave Rescue

I've been caving, a lifetime ago, when all the equipment we had was a helmet and a flashlight and a sense of adventure.

I remember wriggling and squeezing through small crevices to get through passages, where the walls seemed to be closing in on us and even points where the adults amongst us were told to turn back as the going ahead was only suitable for smaller people.

There are some caves that have their own ecosystem, including vegetation, streams and even unique insects that look exceptionally adapted to their dark, moist environments.

We weren't the first people to inquire as to where caves lead to as this article in LiveScience.com shows Remains of 'Maya Underworld' Found in World's Longest Submerged Cave

So far we can confirm that caves exist and humans are curious about them. Now we have the final piece in the puzzle. Caves are dangerous;

From what information I can gather, cave disasters occur when the rains begin. My research led me to this article, which is definitely not for the faint of heart. 10 True Horror Stories Of People Trapped In Caves

Today's astonishing news, that the Thai cave rescue has proven, so far only partially, succesful really surprised me. That 13 people could walk 4km into a cave complex and survive for 10 days with no food, just amazed me.

This map is from CNN's explanation of the partial resuce, and whilst I dislike their sensationalising in their normal coverage, they do present most of the facts as we kinow them, in this case.

 The missing boys, with their coach, are seen here in a photo taken from the coach's Facebook page

Who are the crazy people who  went to rescue these kids? The Thai Navy SEALs were created in the 1950's as the wars on the Asian continent were beginning to blossom. Unlike US Navy SEALS or the British equivalent, the SBS, the Thai Neavy SEALs are not secretive about their personnel or their operations.

++UPDATE++

Thailand cave rescue underway: authorities evacuate site and send in 18 divers

“We’ve been waiting for this exact moment to begin the evacuation, when we’re all prepared and the survivors’ safety can be 100 per cent guaranteed,” Narongsak told reporters at the Phong Pha sub-district administration office, where the media had relocated after the Tham Luang cave area was cordoned off by authorities on Thursday night. 

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-as-operation-tham-luang-10509950

Good luck!

Jumblerant