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I was a SCUBA instructor in my twenties and I know something about what it takes to prepare someone to handle stressful situations underwater. The dive those Thai boys have to do to get out of that cave is a challenge to world-class divers on a number of counts: murky water, a deep segment, and a long, fatigue-inducing course. Worst of all, though, is that it's in a cave. It can be very hard for experienced, well-trained divers to hold down claustrophobia panic in an underwater cave if things get hairy.

I was happy and relieved that the two groups got out safely. I would keep my fingers crossed or pray for the last five if I thought either would help.

FreeDave 6 July 10
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13 comments

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0

great effort

Marine Level 8 July 10, 2018
0

They're all out now!

0

I couldn't see the footage...my heart "GOT SCARED".

Now...my questions is: HOW DID THEY GET IN AND ALL THE WAY TO WHERE THEY WERE FOUND?

@Quazi See, there are parts of the cave that with / without water are extremely difficult.

1

I was glad to see that they used full facial masks on those young boys. You are correct...controlling that natural panic to be able to breathe underwater was of great concern to me. I am certified to dive in caves, and I still have to fight the fear. All the extra work they did to double tether, carrying pony tanks, etc. was excellent. I am glad the outcome was good but feel so bad for the one diver who died. He is indeed a hero.

He is, but I can't help but think his heroics cost him his life. With cave diving, as with any form of diving where you can't simply ascend to the surface, caution, adherence to discipline and established procedure are of paramount importance.

@OldDave I did not read the details but someone said he ran out of air? Did he get stuck? Did he go without a buddy or spare? It is really disheartening when a supposed experienced diver dies...Yes, discipline and controlling panic takes practice and a lot of overly cautious measures. Nice to meet another diver!

@thinktwice Not all of the details are clear. He succumbed to lack of oxygen working in an air pocket in the cavern where the oxygen had been depleted by others working there previously. He lost consciousness and drowned.

3

Just seen on the T.V. the boys have all been rescued! Well done to all the rescuers.

3

Yes they are all now out 🙂 what a fantastic effort all those amazing rescue staff did. Now time to help the Japanese with their floods. 115 already dead 😟

0

Is everyone out yet? I got the impression from the latest reports that not all the boys are out of the cave yet. Huh.

1

This illustration floored me. The length of the underwater passages — I cannot fathom it.

UUNJ Level 8 July 10, 2018

wow! Thanks for that...I did not realize how narrow the choke point was...fortunately, the kids were small, but the divers...wow...tight squeeze indeed

1

I agree, my husband was a diver and can remember my anxiety waiting on board the dive boat waiting for him to surface. My thoughts are with all involved, both the divers and the boys, and of course the family of the diver who lost his life trying to rescue them.

0

Thank you for explaining the reason why this rescue is so dangerous! win

0

I have done some caving and tight squeezes terrified me the kids I was with breezed it though so just hope these kids are as mental as the kids I did it with

Simon1 Level 7 July 10, 2018
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I have done caving in Va, and W Va. when I was younger and i can't imaging being underwater in a cave and I'm not really claustrophobic 'cause i nave been in many tight passageways.

0

I can't imagine. My brain won't let me, as the discomfort of the thought progression is so uncomfortable.

These are times I can only wish prayer could actually change anything.

Athena Level 8 July 10, 2018
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