Manchester United extend invite to 12 boys and coach following successful rescue from cave in Thailand
The operation to rescue the group trapped underground for 18 days was completed in northern Thailand on Tuesday morning.
Shortly after 12.30pm GMT on Tuesday, Thai Navy Seals confirmed that all 12 boys – aged between 11 and 16 – and their coach had been rescued from Thai cave Tham Luang in Thailand.
The young soccer team and their coach had been trapped in Tham Luang, in the north of the country, for over two weeks.
People across Thailand cheered the rescue operation from the beginning, with world press outlets recoding the operation's every move.
On the back of the mission's success, Manchester United have extended an invitation to the Wild Boars Football Club and their rescuers to Old Trafford this coming season.
#MUFC is relieved to learn that the 12 footballers and their coach trapped in a cave in Thailand are now safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.
We would love to welcome the team from Wild Boars Football Club and their rescuers to Old Trafford this coming season. pic.twitter.com/5CGMoD1Msq— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 10, 2018
The Thai Navy Seals media team published a post to their Facebook page shortly before 12.50pm on Tuesday confirming that everyone was safe.
The statement translates that four “frogs” still remain in the cave – these are a doctor and three navy seals who have been supporting the boys. It also translates to say the words "Safe everyone".
The statement finishes with the word "Hooyah".
The tenth and eleventh boys were rescued shortly after 12.30pm, while the ninth boy has reached a hospital in Chiang Rai.
The eleventh boy that was rescued is Chanin Wiboonrungrueng, who, at age 11, is the youngest of the group. It was confirmed yesterday that he is the smallest and in good health.
UPDATE at 5:15pm: The 11th boy has reached the cave entrance. He’s the smallest and is in good health.
RT @SpringNews_TV: มีรายงานว่า หมูตัวที่ 11 ตัวเล็กที่สุดในทีม ยืนยันปลอดภัย เย้!! #ThamLuang #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน #ถ้ำหลวง #Thailand #ThaiCaveRescue— Richard Barrow (@RichardBarrow) July 10, 2018
Australian doctor Richard Harris was involved in the entire rescue process, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
