Oh my goodness, this is nothing short of miraculous!

The 12 young Thai soccer players (and their coach) trapped in submerged caves have all been found ALIVE after 9 days! Wow, just wow. I can't imagine the darkness and despair they must have felt, only 11-16 years old. And their parents... They are beside themselves with jubilation now.

So glad they've been found! The rescue operation will be quite the feat too. I'm so relieved a bad decision has not led to tragedy.

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/thailand-cave-rescue/h_4fef02d1cab69133f201d9e0d3577356

I was SO happy when I read that this morning! What a miracle!!!

I would put the shock of this right up there with finding Elizabeth Smart alive. Both are astounding.

Someone who was indirectly involved with the rescue was interviewed this morning on the news and he said, because it is the rainy season and none of the boys know how to swim (so they can't dive), it could take as long as 3 months to rescue them, depending on how they are able to perform the rescue.

I never heard anything about this until yesterday. Did they keep it under wraps for that long?

Yes, basil...I saw where they were planning on providing 4 mos worth of food...can you IMAGINE? It's far from over.

I'd be afraid of drilling down...I'd be afraid of a cave in.

"I'd be afraid of drilling down...I'd be afraid of a cave in"

I do not think that they would be asking you (or me). They must have some drilling experts.

It is a 3 HOUR scuba trip each way. They don't know if they have the "luxury" of waiting out the monsoon season, though. The boys are on a rather small mud patch in the cave, and heavy rains forecast for this week might force them to dive out, ready or not.

The tenacity and bravery of the divers to press deeper and deeper into the unknown, though inky black cave water and tight squeezes is remarkable. I have an 11 year old son, and this entire undertaking has captivated me. I hope for happy reunions, and later a movie to tell the tale.

I'm with you Rebekah, the expertise involved is phenomenal...I just pray for a good outcome when all is said and done.

I can't imagine the message as a parent, that after 10 days your child has been found. But then, to be told it may be days or weeks or god forbid months until you can seen them. I feel for those parents and for those poor, scared kids...

I'm happy to hear that eight players have been rescued and they are working on getting the last four players and coach out. Praying that the rains hold off until the last one is out and safe.

Yes, good news!

Even Elon Musk (the gazillionaire who started Tesla and Space X) is pitching in. His team has developed a child-sized "submarine" for the rescue effort. It looks like an oversized scuba canister, and it's on it's way to Thailand now. Gotta say, the thought of being closed up in it gives me the heebie jeebies, but who knows -- maybe it will be useful. Pretty cool that they're trying to help save the kids too, I thought.

The international effort by everyone is remarkable. I'm following the Thai Navy SEAL Facebook page, and they are so grateful for everyone's help. The camaraderie is heartwarming.

Man, someone needs to make a movie after this is all said and done!

I'm sure someone will make a bundle on a movie about this.

Kinda have my doubts it can even come close to making it through the upward channel of 15" total clearance. Even a tank can't get through that strapped on a person. Nice thought, but seemingly impractical under those circumstances.

Anyone know why efforts have been suspended?

I heard this morning because the sun was setting there... but not sure if something else is now the cause? Hopefully it's just that they need to wait for daylight.

Also, my understanding is the same divers are going in for each round, as they are the most knowledgeable about the route. So, they need to rest. Meanwhile, other "divers are bringing new air and oxygen tanks into the cave and place them at “strategic places” along the route, a contingency in case something happens with the gas supply of the rescue divers, such as an equipment malfunction, because the route is so long". It takes 20 hours to re-set for the next operation. An amazing feat!!

So, did they pump enough water out so that the swimming is all above water...or no? If no, then how is this getting accomplished...i thought most if not all of the boys couldn't swim?

I would hope by now they have been able to teach all of them to swim to one degree or another. It's not like they have much else to do in the cave.

Isn't the swim out long..like really long? I would think you'd need to be a pretty proficient swimmer for that. I'm just asking....i haven't caught much natl. news lately.

for some reason they are not giving to much detail on the escape from the cave. could be too many people with speculation or just to save it for the book/movie rights.

They got the water level down enough that they can walk a good long part...but there are areas where they have to go it alone, under water, up a 'hill' that's a 15" space. There are other areas where they are completely submerged. They are wearing a mask and have a diver in front and behind. The one in front is carrying the kid's tank as well as their own.

Ah ok......that sounds...easier (not easy, easier).

I think about the only coaching they could possibly do is bare basics...but mostly...stay calm. Diving can be scary under the best of circumstances. Every one of these boys that gets out safely has got some major GRIT.

[they showed a computerized model of the most treacherous and difficult areas of maneuver]

. Every one of these boys that gets out safely has got some major GRIT.

I am sure that a lengthy shower will take care of that,