MISSION IMPOSSIBLE to MISSION COMPLETE
While thirty-two International Teams were battling it out in state-of-the-art stadiums in Russia for close to a month for the prestigious 21st edition of the quadrennial WORLD CUP 2018, twelve young Thai football players from the “MOO PA” (Wild Boars) football team, along with their coach, Ekaphol Chantawong, were struggling for survival. They were trapped on 23rd June inside a dingy and cold six-mile long Tham Luang cave in the treacherous Doi Nang Non mountain range. Termed as “Mission Impossible,” the 17-day ordeal to rescue the youngsters, definitely gripped the attention of the world. Ninety expert SEAL divers—40 from Thailand and 50 from other nations—as well as thousands of paramedics and volunteers, battled against time and inclement weather conditions. SEAL divers braved rising waters and manoeuvred through dangerous labyrinth-like tunnels to rescue the players and their coach. “Mission Complete” on 10th July 2018 on Thai Navy SEALS Facebook page stated, “We are not sure if this is a miracle, science or what. All the 13 Wild Boars are now out.”
In the midst of all this jubilation and celebration of courage and hope, one cannot forget the sacrifice made by a thirty-eight-year-old Thai navy SEAL diver, Saman Gunan. “He completed his task of delivering three oxygen tanks, but lost consciousness on his return trip, as his ran out of oxygen” reported a Thai SEAL. No greater love than one laying down his life for another. This is the miracle of the Tham Luang cave rescue. SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookonkaew rightly stated, “We won’t let the life lost be wasted. In his death, they found greater courage and determination in the next three days to change “Mission Impossible” to “Mission Complete.” His wife, Waleeporn Gunan, summed up her husband’s life in these words, “He loved helping others…
Fr. Glenford Lowe SDB
