Thailand Cave Rescue: Chinese rescuers talk about risky but great mission

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The boys rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand on July 10th just came home, and are in good condition. More details about the miraculous rescue operation are being released, including those from Chinese rescue teams. CGTN's Zheng Yibing talked with the team members after they came back to China.

A moment that no one would forget.

12 boys and their coach were rescued from a flooded cave in northern Thailand after being trapped there for over two weeks. Thousands helped in the effort, including specialists from other countries, like China. Seven civilian Chinese rescuers arrived in Thailand on June 29th, and got right to work.

WANG KE LEADER, CHINESE RESCUE TEAM "PEACEFUL FOUNDATION" "The mountain in question was huge, and the water conditions in the cave unknown. It was totally different from other rescue missions, like floods or earthquakes."

Working with Thai teams, their efforts took a lot of planning.

ZHOU YAHUI MEMBER, CHINESE RESCUE TEAM "PEACEFUL FOUNDATION" "The first few days, we transported materials, equipment, and oxygen tubes to the depths of the cave. Then we helped Thai military workers establish strop and rope systems to help people walk."

After much discussion, the crews decided to sift through the waterway. But the difficulties surpassed everyone's expectations.

LI SHUO MEMBER, CHINESE RESCUE TEAM "PEACEFUL FOUNDATION" "The water in the cave was very murky, due to the mud and water flow. Even with the headlight, the visiblity in front of us was only a few centimeters. We could see the guide rope. Nothing else."

But they worked tirelessly, until finally, a breakthrough.

WANG KE MEMBER, CHINESE RESCUE TEAM "PEACEFUL FOUNDATION" "On July 7th, British divers found the boys, and everybody was excited. They were still alive. It was a miracle."

Until all of them were saved from the cave, crews stood in a post for the whole operation.

ZHOU YAHUI MEMBER, CHINESE RESCUE TEAM "PEACEFUL FOUNDATION" "We were responsible for one section, and helped people out, including the 12 boys and their coach, diving specialists, Thai SEALS and others. Our team was the last one to come out because we were responsible for the guide rope."

The team said they were impressed by the joint efforts from Thailand, the US, UK, Australia, and many others.

WANG KE MEMBER, CHINESE RESCUE TEAM "PEACEFUL FOUNDATION" "This rescue transcended nationality, ideology and religion. Everybody joined together for one purpose, a humanitarian purpose. It was beautiful."

The teams said the rescue and camaraderie with fellow workers filled their spirits with joy. ZHENG YIBING, CGTN, BEIJING.