Thailand Cave Rescue: Authorities rejoice after success of lengthy rescue operation

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02:48

And now to the dramatic cave rescue in Thailand.

The first footage of the teens since their harrowing escape has been released showing the boys smiling and waving as they begin their recovery.

Our Silkina Ahluwalia has more.

The celebration continues three days after the successful rescue operation that saved 12 boys and their coach that was trapped in a flooded cave for nearly two weeks.

Admiral Apakorn was part of the operation. He had been deployed the day the boys went missing on the 23rd of June.

ADMIRAL ARPAKORN YOOKONGKAEW THAI NAVY SEAL OFFICER "It was an important and difficult job. The cave the children were trapped inside is very complex. I usually work at sea. This was the first time I've to work like this, but there were many Thai and foreign units helping one another. It was a success in the end and I'm very proud."

The entire operation took a total of 17 days with over 127 people and it was far from simple. Admiral Apakorn spoke of the dangerous situations his team encountered inside the cave.

Narrow paths, high water levels and low oxygen were some of the elements rescuers had to battle to get the boys to emerge safely.

ADMIRAL ARPAKORN YOOKONGKAEW THAI NAVY SEAL OFFICER "The thing that concerned me the most during the work was the rain. I had to fight with nature. If it rained, water would flood the cave. That was the most difficult part."

The Tham Luang Cave is a popular spot for adventure seekers and this wasn't the first time the boys and their coach had been inside. They were familiar with exploring the caves but hadn't expected heavy rains and floods to trap them inside for weeks.

ADMIRAL ARPAKORN YOOKONGKAEW THAI NAVY SEAL OFFICER "Tham Luang is a very interesting place. Thailand's Tourism Ministry should set up a system where people can go in during the dry season, and stay out of it during the rainy seasons. Educate the people that this cave is different."

The first footage since their dramatic rescue has been released showing all 12 boys and their coach in good and stable condition, waving victory signs at the cameras with their surgical masks on.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA CHIANG RAI "Thailand's Rescue Chief said they acted on a tiny bit of hope when they boys were found alive nine days after they had gone missing. This was a mission dubbed as intense and impossible at the start. But the entire world came together and rescuers showed their true determination, proving that every life matters. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Chiang Rai."