Case
Teaching Notes
Abstract
On June 23, 2018, 12 boys from a junior soccer team, the Wild Boars, and their coach went to explore the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in northern Thailand and became trapped within. With the rescue appearing hazardous and risky, this particular incident caused a stir worldwide. This case presents the story behind the entrapment of the soccer team, their discovery after a nine-day search operation, and the different methods outlined by the rescuers to extricate the boys and their coach. Using the four stages of emergency management—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—we analyze the extent to which the chosen rescue strategy aligns with the framework. In addition to reflecting on the invaluable lessons that future rescuers can acquire from this pursuit, the case questions the viability of the selected rescue method in tackling similar incidents in the future.
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