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Local diver explains how Thai cave rescue was successful

By Elsa Gillis
By Elsa Gillis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The world celebrated this morning after the miraculous and heroic rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a cave in Thailand.

The rescue was the end of the dramatic mission that has captured worldwide attention.

[RELATED: Thailand cave rescue: Who are the boys, their coach; timeline of the rescue]

Local cave diving instructor Dr. Shannon McAteer told Channel 9 finding the boys was the most significant task.

The boys were rescued by two divers.

The divers had to secure a line along a dark path into the cave to lead the boys out.

McAteer said the rescuers had to manage their own air supply, follow the line and carry equipment with limited visibility, on top of carrying an inexperienced diver.

"This is a very, very difficult cave dive for a seasoned cave diver and they did just such a great job. I'm just amazed," said McAteer.

He also said reports have indicated the boys and divers used full face masks, which kept their faces dry and allowed them to communicate and coach one another through the rescue.

The divers’ task was difficult, but McAteer said the boys had to step up too. The rescue was truly a team effort.

When divers went back in to get equipment after the rescue, the pump gave way, which caused the caverns to fill with water. They were forced to evacuate, leaving hundreds of air tanks behind.

Channel 9 learned the boys will be evaluated and will remain quarantined in the hospital for about a week.

At least two of the boys have pneumonia.

All of the boys are undergoing blood tests for infections.

Their families will only be allowed to see them through a glass partition until they have been cleared by doctors.

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