Two weeks after people feared the worst outcome, the world was celebrating.
The last of the 12 youth soccer players and their beloved coach who went missing in late June were successfully rescued from the Tham Luang cave in Thailand on July 10.
The boys and their coach were receiving medical treatment and getting much-needed rest and care. They were to be on a restricted diet while they recover, though Thailand’s Health Secretary confirmed some of them were asking for bread and chocolate.
For now, the world is celebrating the rapid and heroic turnaround of a story that captured the attention of millions.
Great news — all 12 boys and their coach have been rescued from that Thai cave. Amazing work by the rescue team.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 10, 2018
Wow. What an incredible story of hope, humanity, bravery and skill. I am so relieved and happy hearing the news that all have been rescued from the cave in Thailand. Miracles do happen. #ThailandCaveRescue
— tom ellis (@tomellis17) July 10, 2018
Thank you dear God and all who worked on the rescue effforts, not only for saving the boys in Thailand but for demonstrating what Love can do.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) July 10, 2018
Delighted to see the successful rescue of those trapped in the caves in Thailand. The world was watching and will be saluting the bravery of all those involved.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 10, 2018
Great news from Thailand!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) July 10, 2018
What great news from Thailand. Let’s revel in the joy!
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) July 10, 2018
At a moment of crisis, people came together to help.
Not everything went according to plan. But people stayed united.
There were serious obstacles along the way. One of the Thai Navy SEAL divers tragically died while setting up oxygen tanks for the rescue operations. And for a while, it was unclear how or when a rescue could be conducted.
As we celebrate the wonderful news of the #ThaiCaveRescue, let’s hope Thailand never forget ex-Thai Navy SEAL Sgt. Major Saman Gunan, who tragically perished in the effort. pic.twitter.com/LHhjpx1zHQ
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) July 10, 2018
However, those fears were greatly outnumbered by an outpouring of support from Thailand and around the world. 50 of the 90 rescue operators came from outside of Thailand, and prominent people like Elon Musk were offering to help in any way they could.
The parents of the missing children rallied around the 25-year-old coach, showering him with praise rather than blame.
Thailand has rescued all 13 youths. No blame games, no comparison with the preceding governments. No accusations and counter accusations. They just delivered results. A big lesson from a fellow Third World nation to those who made big promises and deliver even bigger excuses.
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) July 10, 2018
Proud of the England Football team .. But that’s just sport .. More proud of the 7 British divers that have helped save all those boys lives in Thailand .. #CaveRescue
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 10, 2018
It’s a moment to pause and celebrate before focusing on the next challenge.
This was a moment of good news the world needed right now. The road to recovery for these children and their families might be long, but the first obstacle — getting them to safety — has been overcome.
There will surely be many more stories about the kids and their rescuers as this story unfolds, but for now the most important news is that they are all safe.