For more than two weeks, the world watched as 12 Thai soccer players and their coach (called the Wild Boars) were trapped in a cave in Northern Thailand. The dramatic story ultimately concluded with a happy ending; all of them were rescued over the course of three days. “We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what. All the thirteen Wild Boars are now out of the cave,” the Thai Navy SEALs wrote on their Facebook page.
The amazing rescue highlighted the bright side of humanity. To coordinate such a seemingly impossible task, a team of 90 international divers had to not only reach the boys—who were 2.5 miles from the mouth of the cave—as well as get them to safety. The trek was eventually made more feasible by pumping 40% of the water out of the cave. However, that didn't make the job any easier, due to narrow passageways and rough currents. The rescuers also had to teach the boys (ages 11 to 16) to swim and equip them with full-face masks that were specifically designed for beginner divers. Additionally, the professionals carried the boys’ oxygen tanks along the way.
The Wild Boars are said to be in overall good health and recovering from the 18-day ordeal. In the meantime, the world is celebrating the heartwarming acts of bravery, perseverance, and show of global unity. There has been tribute art created by illustrators and other creatives around the globe that mark the joyous rescue.
It should also be noted that amidst this happy moment, the world also mourns for Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL member who died trying to rescue the boys. He passed away due to lack of oxygen on his way out of the cave—after delivering oxygen supply inside. Kunan is also honored in many of these images.
Scroll down to see a selection of tribute art for the Thai cave rescue.
The world is rejoicing over the safe rescue of the Wild Boars soccer team from a cave in Northern Thailand. Many are doing so through tribute art.
#พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน pic.twitter.com/4gY3sKlGNr
— Lovecumentary (@lovecumentary) July 9, 2018
When The Seals meet Boars #ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/QNM1yJ9p0h
— Prinya Raemval (@PR_twitt) July 10, 2018
Some illustrations also pay respect to Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL who died delievering oxygen to the boys.
The most heartbreaking!
Sediiiiiii😭 #ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/VcgcQdWDdn
— Pikacu💫 (@raviika_vika) July 10, 2018
All of them are safe! So, now you can rest well sir! May God bless your soul#ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/EzcBWr8jcR
— caca♡ #SMASHISBACK (@siskadvrst_) July 10, 2018
Today, we witnessed hope. Faith. Courage. Dedication.
12 boys. Their coach. 18 days. Rescuers who gave it all and never gave up. The Wild Boars never gave up.
Undefeated. 13/13. It is over. Confirmed. Welcome home. #ThaiCaveRescue #ThailandCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/G5QHLF2WnS
— Jenn S. (@VTDiva01) July 10, 2018
John Volanthen, the lead diver at #ThaiCaveRescue – said:
“I dive for passion and always wondered if it would have purpose. Last two weeks was what I prepared for my entire life.” pic.twitter.com/LAlPsCJLwm— Sabine B. (@BineBoss) July 9, 2018
This is a miracle of humanity ❤
THANK YOU SO MUCH#ThaiCaveRescue #ถ้ำหลวง #ทีมหมูป่า pic.twitter.com/hGAC3loz6i
— Opal Panisara (@chocoopal) July 10, 2018
Day 3 🙏🙏🙏
5 to go: “Be strong, it's your turn now!”#ThaiCaveRescue#พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน pic.twitter.com/BHUOnGhhMd— Hicham Bouab (@hichambouab) July 10, 2018
Not all Superheroes wear capes! #ThailandCaveRescue#Cartoon: @theheraldsun #Thailand #ThaiCaveRescue #ThamLuang #SamanGunan #HERO#Cave #Divers #Real #Heroes #Brave #Superheroes #superhero @IlloRoom @cartoonmovement #ThailandCave #CaveThailand #CaveRescue pic.twitter.com/C7nlYIuh53
— Chris ‘ROY' Taylor (@chrisroytaylor) July 9, 2018
Loving these drawings 👌😍❤#ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/ZEvhta8Q4J
— 🇦🇷 Isha Wafir❓🎈 (@ishawafir) July 11, 2018
To the world 🌍
THANK YOU SO MUCH
From Thailand …..#ThaiCaveRescue #ถ้ำหลวง #ทีมหมูป่า pic.twitter.com/N5SFR3mmVG
— Opal Panisara (@chocoopal) July 10, 2018
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