I am sure that most members welcomed the news that the twelve Thai soccer lads have been discovered deep within the caves in Northern Thailand. Fantastic news and hats off to the bravery of our guys and those Thai nationals who didn't rest until they were found. However, now what? How on earth are they going to get these lads out of the submerged caves? They are deep below a hill/mountain, so drilling down appears not to be an option. Many cannot swim and some of the areas through which they have to pass to exit the caves are so narrow that their aqualungs and breathing apparatus may not be able to get through. In any event, if each boy is escorted out with a diver chaperone it's a three-hour ordeal to get out.
Our principal thoughts are, of course, with the safety of the boys but I cannot help feeling that the coach is going to be faced with some very tough questions.
What are the views of other members? How do you think this will end? What on earth enticed the group into the caves in the first place when the rainy season had already arrived?
In view of the subject matter it would be entirely appropriate for us to avoid any in-fighting, bitching, jokes or risque comments. Let's keep it a serious discussion out of respect to the boys and their families.