All Thirteen: Chapters 6–10

Vern has led many Thai friends into Tham Luang, guiding them as far as they are willing to venture.

He has a reputation for keeping his word and for calm persistence in the face of adversity—which is exactly what this mission will require.

The SEALs also carry multiple regulators for backup, and they each wear a buoyancy vest that connects to their air supply.

Without light from the surface to orient you, down becomes up, and you can think you are swimming for the exit when you are actually pushing farther inside the cave.

The same stalactites and stalagmites that cause tourists to ooh and aah in a dry cave become real hazards to a cave diver.

The same stalactites and stalagmites that cause tourists to ooh and aah in a dry cave become real hazards to a cave diver.

Obsessing over their hunger pains, or fantasizing about eating, or succumbing to the worry they may never get out will only make their suffering worse.

Even though they are almost certain that the boys didn’t go into Monk’s Series, Thai authorities place a sentry at the opening to watch for any sign of the team—clothes, shoes, or water bottles—that might flow out with the current.

Royal Thai Army personnel and rescue workers have carried in floodlights to illuminate the dark chambers.

It’s clear to Major Hodges that this is not going to be a simple cave extraction.

Add to that the muddy, slippery ground from all the rainfall, and you have downright treacherous conditions.

They are professional bird’s nest collectors who search caves for cliff swallow nests, which are used to make bird’s nest soup, a prized delicacy in Thailand and China.

In addition to following the Buddha's teachings, many Thai Buddhists also revere a host of other spirits.

Caves are not hospitable environments.

So far, no one has invented an amphibious robot that can swim through water and then climb onto dry land and keep going.