Millions in Thailand and around the world who have followed every step of this captivating Thai cave story would have relieved with news of the successful rescue of all the twelve boys and their coach.
The boys – aged between 11 and 16 – went into the cave with their 25-year-old football coach on 23 June, after a training session.
They were then trapped by floodwaters after heavy rains, and retreated further into the cave to find safety.
News that they had gone missing sparked a massive search operation involving more than 1,000 people, with several expert cave divers from all around the world flying in to help out.
On 2 July, nine days later, British divers found the hungry and fatigued group huddled on a ledge in a cavern, sparking joyous scenes across Thailand.
Jubilation turned to grave concern after the military warned that the boys could have to wait for up to four months for floodwaters to recede before they could be rescued.
Divers brought food and other supplies, and a Navy doctor was sent in to care for the group.
But on Sunday, Thai authorities decided they had to act, as fears mounted that the flooding would worsen under heavy rains.
And so a remarkable operation began to rescue the team. Four boys were brought out on Sunday, four on Monday, and the remaining four and their coach today.
