20/20 7/27 on ABC

New Details About Treacherous Thailand Cave Rescue Air on ABC News’ ‘20/20,’ Friday, July 27

July 26, 2018
  
NEW DETAILS ABOUT TREACHEROUS THAILAND CAVE RESCUE AIR ON ‘20/20’

‘20/20’ Airs Friday, July 27 (10:01 – 11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC

Just weeks ago, the world watched in suspense as rescue teams frantically raced against the clock to save 12 boys and their coach who were trapped in a Thailand cave. Now that the boys and coach are safe, ABC News’ chief national correspondent Matt Gutman reports on new details not shared with the public while that treacherous mission was underway. “20/20” airs Friday, July 27 (10:01–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Gutman sits down with Jason Mallinson and Chris Jewell, two British divers who were part of the small team of four that dived out with the boys and helped bring them to safety. In the interviews, they detail the hazardous moments when they were alone with the boys, who were sedated for the entire journey, in zero visibility. Mallinson reveals that one of the boys began to wake up while in neck-deep water and he had to re-inject him with ketamine, and Jewell describes the moment he got lost after losing hold of the guideline while leading one boy out of the cave. Gutman interviews Major Charles Hodges and Master Sergeant Derek Anderson, two members of the U.S. military who played key roles in the rescue operation. The hour also features an interview with the commander of the Thai Navy SEAL unit.

“20/20” reports riveting new details about how the rescue teams first practiced the techniques they used in the cave in a pool with local children; the cave’s perilous landscape; the divers from all over the world who assisted with the rescue mission; the medical risks associated with bringing the boys out; the sophisticated system created to safely transport the boys through the cave; and how the boys were able to survive before they were found.

“20/20” is anchored by David Muir and Amy Robach. David Sloan is senior executive producer.