It is no secret that 12 boys and their coach were trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai in Thailand's north. In fact, you would have to have been trapped in a cave yourself to have missed the blanket media coverage. Through the combined efforts of many nations but the co-ordination of Thailand's civic and military authorities, the Wild Boars are free, though now convalescing in Prachanukroh Hospital. Their rescue, under dangerous circumstances, is being celebrated as I write.

Good news stories are rare amongst all the hell-in-a-handbasket stuff we are usually subjected to. But they are welcome and demonstrate, once again, the capacity of humans to rise above partisanship, cultural difference or nationality to do something outstanding, worthwhile, yes, even noble. This is the spirit and attitude we need to survive and thrive as a species, and I pray that it will be a spark to all people.

The cartoonist Sisidea created a fine cartoon which sums up the essence of the great collaborative enterprise that has freed the Wild Boars, which I reproduce below.



I want to mention also the heroic effort of the only person to lose their life, Sgt. Major Sanam Gunam. A former Thai Navy Seal, he volunteered to dive through the dangerous cave waters, "to bring the boys back home." In sacrificing his life for others, he has become the hero of Tham Luang Cave. Rest in Peace, good man.