Four Thai Navy SEAL divers who helped rescue 12 trapped boys and their soccer coach have left the flooded cave.
Earlier on Tuesday, the search-and-rescue effort ended when the 12th boy and the coach were extricated from the cave complex. They became trapped on June 23 when rising floodwaters cut off the exit to the cave.
After divers discovered them, a race began to get them out before the weather got even worse.
Dozens of experts from around the world and Thailand were involved in the rescue, and last week, one Thai Navy SEAL died during the rescue. Over the weekend, the first of the boys was safely pulled out of the cave. Saman Gunan died Friday when his air tanks ran out of oxygen, according to the SEALs.
“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 said in a Facebook post that confirmed the rescue.
Officials did not comment on the rescue mission as it took place. The conditions of the boys were not revealed.
The boys that were brought out were in good health overall and some asked for chocolate bread for breakfast, officials told Reuters.
President Donald Trump chimed in on Twitter, praising the rescue. “On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the Thai Navy SEALs and all on the successful rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the treacherous cave in Thailand,” Trump wrote. “Such a beautiful moment - all freed, great job!”
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