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BREAKING: ACD MISSING IN CAVE EXPLORATION
Posted 01/30/2024 @ 20:23 by Sylvia Rodriguez
“…Reports were received by local authorities this evening that a recreational spelunking group did not return after a planned trip which departed this morning…the group is thought to include several teenagers and a few young adults including former FSOTUS Alex Claremont-Diaz…as yet no statement has been released by former President Ellen Claremont…authorities are appealing to certified spelunkers with experience in the Guadalupe Mountains for aid…”
CAVE DISASTER — WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Posted 01/30/2024 @ 23:38 by Steve Petty
“…It was reported by national park authorities that one group of adventurers had not returned by the park’s closing time in the evening…National Guard has been called in, but has not yet arrived on site…group sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of America included nine teenaged participants, one experienced cave guide and two adult chaperones, one of whom is notable BGCA alum and mentor Alex Claremont-Diaz…It is confirmed that President Claremont arrived on site…site is as yet unspecified, although it is known to be within the Guadalupe Mountains National Park…the group is thought to carry a week’s worth of emergency rations with them…”
ACD MISSING - AUTHORITIES WARN OF POSSIBLE “MASS CASUALTY EVENT”
Posted 01/31/2024 @ 08:52 by Amy Knightroad
“…Experts warning that the likelihood of the group’s survival, or even postmortem recovery, may be low…’We’re hardly giving up hope,’ Carol Tiderman, chair of the National Speleological Society’s search committee, said in a statement early this morning. ‘We’ll search as long and hard as we can, and I pray for a miracle just like anybody else. But that’s what it would be — a miracle.’…The search is being coordinated by a cooperation of the National Guard, the National Cave Rescue Commission, and National Parks personnel…As of now, nearly twenty four hours following the last confirmed sighting of Claremont-Diaz’s group, no signs of their location have yet been noted…Group was led by experienced cave guide Leeshia Walters…’I have faith in Leeshia,’ coworker Ross Monroe stated early this morning. ‘She’s been doing this over ten years now, and she keeps her head in an emergency. She knows the proper way to respond to stranding or cave-ins…if anybody can keep those kids alive, it’ll be her.’…Despite purported optimism, morale at what’s been dubbed ‘Camp Topside’ is quickly trending low…”
PHOTOS - PRINCE HENRY ARRIVES AT SITE OF ACD CAVE DISASTER
Posted 01/31/2024 @ 09:08
Photos show Prince Henry arriving at Camp Topside in a wrinkled suit and black wool overcoat. He is greeted by President Claremont before being ushered into a tent.
ELLEN CLAREMONT RELEASES OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Posted 01/31/2024 @ 12:28
As has been reported, President Claremont’s son Alex has been actively missing since Tuesday afternoon on a Boys and Girls Club of America spelunking expedition he was helping to lead. President Claremont thanks both the nation and the world for the outpouring of support and well-wishes the family has received. She asks that her and her family’s privacy be respected during these difficult times, and that any requests for updates be directed through the appropriate channels. Anyone looking to aid in the search efforts is encouraged to donate to the Central Southern branch of the National Cave Rescue Commission.
President Claremont understands that her son Alex is often fondly recognized as ‘America’s son’. She finds great strength in the support of her nation and recognizes that many feel the stress of the situation as acutely as she herself does. She encourages all those feeling this concern to lean on their friends and family in this time, as she is doing.
She likewise wishes to extend her empathy and support to the families of the other missing individuals: Leeshia Walters, Elijah Raul, Angel Rodriguez, Jacob Cranter, Kayden McDaniels, Lissa Turning, Curtis Holloway, Aaliyah Greene, Izayah Follows, Matea Follows, and Jesus Garcia. She asks the country to include all of the missing in their well-wishes and prayers.
CAVE-IN FOUND IN ACD SEARCH!
Posted 01/31/2024 @ 16:45 by Neve Blackroe
“…Late this afternoon a search team following ACD’s group’s most likely route encountered a cave-in approximately 400ft down a narrow tunnel branching off from the main tunnel it is believed the group traversed…Search and Rescue teams agree that this is likely the blockage that prevented the group’s return…there is currently no word as to whether the cave-in is believed to have been fatal…Experts are discussing the possibility of clearing the blockage via drilling or controlled use of explosives…Despite no confirmation of life, this discovery has thrown Camp Topside into a renewed frenzy…President Claremont and Prince Henry, among other family members, were seen consulting with…”
GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS CAVE-IN PRONOUNCED IMPASSABLE
Posted 02/01/2024 @ 09:32 by Sylvia Rodriguez
“…Authorities announced this morning that the cave-in believed to have prevented ACD’s return is impassable…attempts to drill past it or remove the debris could destabilize it further…emphasize that the search will continue, though no method has yet been announced…possible that teams are searching for alternate entrances…heavy equipment including drills have been brought to the site…Reports of shouting from the search coordination tent this morning shortly after former President Claremont attended…”
DRILLING TO COMMENCE IN ACD/BGCA SEARCH
Posted 02/02/2024 @ 11:39 by Olivia Ellsworth-Danes
“…After cave-in discovery…decision has been approved to drill into the mountainside, beginning just past the point of the cave in…announced plan to drill ‘bore holes’…can only hope that life signs can be located…or indeed any signs at all…”
OFFICIALS WARN FAMILIES NOT TO LOSE HOPE IN GUADALUPE ACD SEARCH
Posted 02/03/2024 @ 14:09 by Amy Knightroad
“…Now four days since the reported disappearance of the Boys and Girls Club of America spelunking expedition headed by Alex Claremont-Diaz…drilling has commenced, aided by the use of sonar technology to locate underground tunnels and pockets where the group may be located…as yet no signs of the missing party…‘Please remember that this is an active rescue operation,’ search coordinator First Sergeant Maxwell Forsythe of the National Guard stated. ‘We still carry hope that the entire party may be found alive … they should still have three days of rations with them, and if they are indeed safe in a cavern or tunnel they may well have located an underground water source.’…families in Camp Topside hosting vigils, prayer services, and community meetings in effort to maintain moral…pictured below, Oscar Diaz attending an impromptu mass hosted by Austin Bishop William Mulvey, who traveled to the camp for the occasion…despite his constant attendance at Camp Topside no statement has been released by Prince Henry…likewise the rest of the British royal family continues to remain silent on the matter…”
STRANGE NOISES HEARD IN GUADALUPE CAVE SEARCH
Posted 02/04/2024 @ 15:51 by Olivia Ellsworth-Danes
“…As another day ticks by without concrete evidence of life in ACD search…rumors are spreading throughout Camp Topside about strange noises heard by underground search and rescue teams this morning…Noises described as ‘very faint, sometimes very high or very low’ by a searcher who wished to remain anonymous. ‘It sounded like whistling, maybe, or groaning.’… Officials warn not to pin hopes… ‘We take any encouragement we can,’ First Sergeant Forsythe answered when prodded about the noises. ‘And be assured that we are investigating every possible lead to its fullest extent. However, it is entirely likely these sounds are the result of wind coming through the tunnels, echoes of the search teams, or even the shifting of the earth.’ He added ‘As much as we hope this is the lost party trying to communicate with us, the truth is much more likely to be any of the other reasons I gave, or perhaps a side effect of the sonar technology we’re employing in the search,’…despite the warnings of caution, families in Camp Topside appear in high spirits this afternoon…”
NO SIGNS YET: DAY 6 OF ACD/BGCA SEARCH
Posted 02/05/2024 @ 13:48 by Sylvia Rodriguez
“…Mood at Camp Topside growing somber as ‘run-out day’ approaches, the day the group is expected to run out of rations…Drilling efforts continue…Briefing expected this evening…”
‘TICKING TIME BOMB’ — WHEN DOES RESCUE MISSION BECOME RECOVERY?
Posted 02/06/2024 @ 21:36 by Olivia Ellsworth-Danes
“…Experts warn that ACD’s group may have only days left…So-called ‘run-out day’ nearly here…Mood at Camp Topside becoming tense…If the group is indeed still alive and has had access to their rations, they may well have only days left, as medical experts agree that the human body can go no longer than three days without water…First Sergeant Forsythe grew irritable when asked such in an evening briefing. ‘We’re really not there yet,’ he said. ‘There is time. It is essential during such operations to remain hopeful. There may come a day where we have to look at this, the situation, reasonably, and say — you know what, yes, there’s no possible way they could still be alive — and then, you know, this would become a recovery operation, but we are weeks away from that day.’… ‘I won’t answer that,’ said Forsythe when asked about the possibility of the operation being abandoned entirely at some point in the future. ‘That day is so far away that it doesn’t even exist. We have hope that we’re gonna get all twelve of them out of there safe and sound. We just gotta find them first.’…”
‘RUN-OUT DAY’ BRINGS TEARS, TEMPERS, AND THE PRESIDENT
Posted 02/07/2024 @ 17:33 by Sylvia Rodriguez
“…The president arrived at Camp Topside this afternoon after a long, emotion-ridden day…greeted by former President Claremont…President states he hopes his presence will ‘improve morale and renew international interest’…Angry families question the use and expense of his presence… ‘Unless he’s going to strap on a helmet and climb down there,’ Marcel Grace, father of Jesus Garcia, stated. ‘Then I don’t see what good he’s doing. Seems like a photo op at the expense of our kids’ lives.’…Tempers running high as conservative estimates give the group only days left, assuming they have been alive and trapped all this time…First Sergeant Forsythe declined comment as eighth full day of searching draws to a close…”
CONSERVATIONIST GROUPS WARN AGAINST CONTINUED DRILLING
Posted 02/08/2024 @ 12:19 by Steve Petty
“…While search continues fruitlessly…Open letter penned by leading geologists and conservationists warns about the damage of repeated ‘random’ drilling…Calls are coming in to halt the drilling as ‘run-out day’ has come and passed…Sergeant Forsythe declined comment…”
BREAKING: ESTAMOS AQUÍ — NOTE FROM TRAPPED ACD/BGCA EXPEDITION
Posted 02/09/2024 @ 16:23 by Sylvia Rodriguez
“…Late this afternoon a drill returned bearing a paper note tied to the bit with what has been reported to be a shoelace…Short and to-the-point, the note bears only two words: estamos aquí — we are here…Cheers erupted throughout Camp Topside as news spread…Plans are being made to lower cameras through the now-empty borehole to assess the condition of the trapped group…former President Claremont caught on camera whooping and dancing with family members in celebration…drill extended nearly 1500 ft into the earth…watch for updates…”
WATCH: PRINCE HENRY RECEIVES WORD THAT ACD MAY BE ALIVE
Posted 02/09/2024 @ 16:39
A shaky video shows a silent group gathered around a tripod bearing a drill. A man in National Guard uniform reaches forward, appearing to retrieve something from the end of the drill itself. There is a long moment of silence before he raises his head. “Estamos aquí!” he shouts jubilantly. The crowd erupts with noise. Over it all the man can be heard crowing “Estamos aquí! Estamos aquí! Even I speak that much Spanish!” Silently, Prince Henry reaches for the note still fluttering in the man’s hand. He hands it over without protest, and Prince Henry stumbles back a step. He presses a hand to his mouth, and then shifts it to cover his whole face, turning his head to the side. He still holds the note in his other hand. After a long moment he presses a hand to his chest, squatting down with his head hung low. He remains there for several seconds until June Claremont-Diaz approaches and pulls him to his feet. She wraps him in a hug and they stand still, a solitary point of calm in the jubilation that surrounds them. He murmurs something in her ear and they both laugh. After a moment he picks her up and spins her around, and she screams in delight. He is approached by an exuberant President Claremont, who takes the note and then wraps her arms around both Prince Henry and her daughter. Video ends.
WATCH: FIRST VIDEO CONFIRMS ALL 12 SPELUNKERS ALIVE
Posted 02/09/2024 @ 18:57
Grainy blue-and-grey footage shows darkness for a moment before descending into a small cavern. A grimy, scraped-up man steps forward to squint at it. He stares at it, half-out-of-frame for a moment before appearing to laugh and stepping more fully in front of the lens, revealing himself to be Alex Claremont-Diaz. He says something over his shoulder and then gently reaches for the camera, twisting it away from himself to show a similarly grimy girl sitting on the ground. She waves at the camera, and Alex leaves her in shot for approximately five seconds before moving on to the boy seated next to her, who wipes his eyes and waves as well. Slowly he turns the camera around the cave, lingering long enough on each inhabitant to fully show their faces. Some are crying. Most wave at the lens. One girl holds up heart hands. He ends on the expedition leader, Leeshia Walters, who appears to be in the middle of a task of some sort, but who pauses to wave at the camera as well. Alex steps back into frame and gives the lens a grin and a thumbs up. He then mimes drinking from a bottle of water, and presses his hands together in a prayer position. He waves, winks, and blows the camera a kiss as it begins to ascend back up the borehole. Video ends.
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/09/2024 @ 20:49
“…I cannot even begin to describe the atmosphere up here tonight, it is joy like I have never seen. The families of all twelve of the trapped party are just overwhelmed, I think. They have been told to remain optimistic for over a week now, but I don’t think any of them dared to hope for this. All twelve are alive and, shockingly, appear to be relatively well. As of yet no verbal contact has been made with the trapped group, so we don’t know what happened down there, but based on the evidence we can guess that they ventured through the branching tunnel and continued on their journey only to find some amount of time later that their way back was blocked off. We assume that they then retreated to the nearest space large enough to live comfortably until search and rescue could find them, which is exactly what happened today. We have been informed that the tunnel where the cave-in occurred is only fifteen by seventeen inches for a stretch of nearly fifty feet, and the cave-in is located quite near the mouth of it, meaning the it’s likely the entire party shimmied through on their stomachs only to find their way blocked at the very end of it, meaning they would have then had to repeat the journey — only backwards, this time — as the tunnel would not be nearly wide enough to turn around in. There is no word yet as to what the next steps of the rescue operation are, but I think it’s safe to assume that the crew up here is working on establishing contact with the trapped explorers, and getting them that water that Alex Claremont-Diaz requested earlier!…”
NEXT STEPS IN ACD/BGCA RESCUE MISSION
Posted 02/10/2024 @ 07:27 by Sylvia Rodriguez
“…Received word that efforts overnight focused on lowering bottles of water and various sanitary products through the borehole, which at only six inches across cannot be used to transport much else…plans are being made to expand the original borehole today in order to facilitate more efficient transport of supplies…The rope used to transport the water down to the trapped twelve returned carrying a bundle of notes written in near-complete darkness…none of the families have shared the letters they received…can confirm that all twelve participants wrote to their loved ones…Plans are being drawn up as to how to safely extract the trapped group, but as yet there is no official comment on what that may entail…”
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/10/2024 @ 19:13
“…We have just received word from First Sergeant Forsythe that in addition to the borehole that was widened today in order to transport supplies to the trapped group, work will begin in the morning on an additional, wider channel, which will be used to set up a primitive elevator of sorts, the kind used in mining operations, to bring them back to the surface. Forsythe has warned that it will be several days until construction is complete and that even then the rescue will have to proceed one-at-a-time and could take nearly twenty-four hours in full, from the first lowering of the lift down the escape shaft, to the emergence topside of the last of the group. It was confirmed earlier this evening that verbal contact had been made with the trapped group, and that each of the families are being given a chance to speak with their child while the adults — Leeshia Walters, Elijah Raul, and, of course, Alex Claremont-Diaz, help to coordinate their end of the rescue effort…”
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/11/2024 @ 16:25
“…Spirits remain high today as construction continues on the escape shaft at Camp Topside. Families have had another chance to speak with their trapped children this morning as paramedics and emergency transports descend on the site, ready to whisk them away to the hospital as soon as they’re freed. Some family members have left for short trips home, to collect clothes and other items they believe may be of comfort once their children are topside again. Rescue personnel report that in addition to water and emergency rations, they have sent down bars of chocolate and blankets, in an attempt to keep spirits similarly high in the cavern below us…”
ESCAPE COULD PROCEED AS EARLY AS TOMORROW IN GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS
Posted 02/12/2024 @ 10:51 by Olivia Ellsworth-Danes
“…First Sergeant Forsythe announced in a briefing this morning that he expects the rescue operation will be ready to move forward as early as tomorrow…however he notes that they plan to wait until well after dark to commence the first journey up the escape shaft to protect the children’s eyes from sunlight after so many days with nothing stronger than a flashlight beam to see by…Reports that the operation will not be without risks, and that the escape shaft transport could potentially become jammed or blocked by rockfall…”
PHOTO: TRAPPED EXPEDITION SENDS UP GROUP PHOTO MERE HOURS BEFORE RESCUE SET TO COMMENCE
Posted 02/13/2024 @ 17:02
A still taken on the same blue-and -gray video camera shows the twelve spelunkers gathered into a group roughly composed of two lines, the first one kneeling. They have their arms around each other. Some are crying but most are smiling.
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/13/2024 @ 23:42
“…We are expecting to see the return of the capsule with the first inhabitant of the cave only moments from now. As I said, they’ve asked the group to send up their most physically fit person first to handle any potential issues that could arise in the capsule’s maiden voyage, so to speak. It’s entirely possible that we could be seeing the emergence of Alex Claremont-Diaz within minutes— I— It’s here! The capsule has returned with the first rescue, and it’s— no, that appears to be, uh, appears to be Leeshia Walters. I suppose it makes a certain sort of sense, given that she has the most experience with spelunking, she might be best qualified to assist in any issues such as rockfalls that may have arisen. As you can see she’s quickly been moved to the first aid area to be checked over by paramedics — although I daresay the paramedics will have some trouble prying her away from — is that her sister?…”
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 07:03
“…With sunrise imminent, we have been informed that this will be the last rescue of the night. The other occupants of the cavern are reportedly in good health and good spirits, and therefore the decision has been made to pause the operation until dark once more. However, the operation proceeded more quickly than anticipated over the course of the night, and we now have seven of the twelve back above ground with one more on the way. They will all be transported to the hospital together where, god willing, they will be joined by the other four tonight. And — yes, here comes the capsule. Just in time, too, we have only about three quarters of an hour until sunrise and it’s definitely starting to get lighter in here. I do believe that’s Curtis Holloway, leaving only Elijah Raul, Jacob Cranter, Aaliyah Greene, and, of course, Alex Claremont-Diaz remaining in the cavern…”
WHY ACD WASN’T RESCUED FIRST
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 15:40 by Steve Petty
“…With what is now being dubbed the ”Valentine’s Day Rescue“ paused for the duration of the daylight hours, many are wondering — where is Alex Claremont-Diaz?…Seven children and the expedition lead were rescued in the early hours of the morning and transported to the hospital, leaving four members of the party behind…No statement from President Claremont about when Alex will make an appearance…growing concern for the former FSOTUS’ welfare…”
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 19:08
“…All eyes are on the rescue site as the planned operation is expected to proceed much quicker than last night’s. With the capsule ready to go as soon as darkness fell, we are now waiting for the next rescued group member to appear. Based on the pattern began last night we will most likely see the two remaining teens come up first — that’s Aaliyah Greene and Jacob Cranter — before we’ll see Alex Claremont-Diaz. Based on the rumors I’ve been hearing around camp, those who know him rather expect him to be the last out, although I’m sure Prince Henry isn’t too happy with that. Ah, here we go — and yes, that’s Jacob Cranter who’s just come up. He’ll be seen to by medical personnel here on site and, unless he needs urgent attention, will wait to be transported to the hospital with the other four later tonight.
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 21:31
“…I can confirm that we have received word that Alex Claremont-Diaz, the last of the trapped expedition, has entered the rescue capsule and is expected at the top within minutets. I cannot imagine what he must be feeling in this moment, over two weeks of confinement underground and he’s at last about to be freed. I— Something’s happening. Can we get any closer? … My apologies to the viewers at home, just trying to figure out what’s going on here. As you can see, emergency personnel have converged on the escape shaft — It— It appears as though the capsule has stopped moving, merely ten feet away from the ground— yes, you can see there — the capsule is equipped with communications devices, so they’ll be strategizing with Alex about the best way to get him this last little bit out. Hold on, viewers at home, we’ll keep trying to get an update for you…”
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM CAMP TOPSIDE
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 22:28
“…If you’re just joining us, the rescue team has now spent over an hour attempting to repair the escape capsule with no success. A plan has been made to lower the capsule back down about ten feet more to where they hope a connecting tunnel with surface access should line up with the door of the capsule, allowing Alex Claremont-Diaz to climb out and through the tunnel to emerge at a site as yet unknown to us, although paramedics and rescue officials have already begun to transport by jeep over there. It has been a long and harrowing journey and it appears that it’s not over for Alex Claremont-Diaz yet…”
WATCH: REPORTING LIVE FROM SECONDARY RESCUE SITE
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 23:03
“…Now located at the mouth of a cave that must be no more than twelve inches in diameter. Frankly, I’m having trouble seeing how Alex Claremont-Diaz is supposed to wiggle his way out of that. We’ve been told the tunnel only narrows in the last twenty feet or so before the exit, and that Alex should be able to crawl through most of it. We received word earlier that he successfully left the capsule and entered the tunnel that is now expected to be his escape route, but unfortunately all communication was lost shortly thereafter. Most of his family, including Prince Henry, have now moved to this site anticipating his emergence, but his stepfather, former first gentleman of the US, has remained behind in hopes of re-establishing contact. Now, I don’t know how long this passage is, but based on the behavior of rescue personnel I can infer that we can expect to see Alex very soon here. Of course, he will have to make that last twenty feet or so while sliding on his belly, and who knows how long— [she is cut off by the sound of a hoarse shout] —oh my god, I think— Sorry, I do apologize — I think that shout you just heard came from Alex Claremont-Diaz himself, still inside the tunnel. Prince Henry certainly seems to think so, I don’t know if you can see from here but he’s kneeling down at the entrance of the cave and yelling back. I don’t quite— it appears as though they’re setting up something, some sort of pulley? I suppose they might try to pull from this end while Alex pushes from the other to get him out. The problem is, he’s so close now but he’s on an upward incline. Yes, we have received confirmation that he’s stuck, unable to move either forward or back. Can you imagine? However many millions of tons of rock pressing in on you from all sides, entirely unable to move? It seems this nightmare will just never end for ACD…”
***
Alex bit his lip, fighting his very hardest to keep his breathing even. He couldn’t move, except in a sort of sideways-downwards motion he knew he had to avoid at all costs. He had one arm reaching ahead of him and one awkwardly braced below him, trying to keep his body in the upper part of the slot. He didn’t let his chest deflate too much when he exhaled, to keep his body from changing shape and sinking even further into the slot. He was halfway on his side, trying to wiggle with the tips of his boots, unable to move either backwards or forwards. All there was anywhere was rock. It was pressing in on him from all sides. He’d never before considered himself to be particularly claustrophobic, but he was certainly afraid now.
He had a horrible feeling that something was just behind him in the passage, ready to grab at his feet at any second. His feet twitched sporadically, so convinced was he that any second whatever it was would make its move. Was that rushing water? Wouldn’t it be ironic if he survived fifteen days underground only to drown ten feet from the surface? Was that the real kind of irony or the Alanis Morissette kind? He couldn’t remember.
The walls were getting tighter. He could feel himself sliding farther into the slot. Too far and that would be it for him, they wouldn’t be able to get him out again. There were tears on his cheeks, and sobs kept bursting out of his chest without his permission, messing with the breathing he was working so hard to maintain.
He could hear Henry’s voice, so impossibly and tantalizingly close, but he couldn’t make out what he was saying. It was too dark for him to see his face.
And then came a scraping, and a grunting, and the hairs on the back of Alex’s head stood straight up. This was it, the thing behind him was finally about to grab his feet. He held as still as possible, hoping that maybe it might mistake him as part of the rock, but that was silly, what cave-dwelling creature wouldn’t know flesh-and-blood from limestone? And then, suddenly, there was a face only a few feet in front of his own.
His shout of alarm was entirely justified, or so he thought.
“Hi Alex,” the person said. It was a woman, considerably smaller than him. “You’re in the worst part of the passage now.”
“You don’t say,” he managed, his arm shaking and burning with the effort of holding him up.
“That’s good,” she said. “Keep making jokes.” She started shifting around with something. “About three feet in front of you the bottom of the passage becomes flat again, okay? We’re gonna help you get those three feet and then it should be smooth sailing.”
“How?”
“I’m going to tie this rope around your free arm, and you’re gonna hold onto it as hard as you can. It’s gonna hurt like a bitch, but the rescue team outside has a pulley they’ll use to apply some extra force and get you out of here.”
“Yeah, okay,” he said, trying to flex the fingers on his outstretched hand. They had gone painfully tingly some amount of time ago. “Let’s fucking do this.”
“That’s the spirit,” the woman said, and started wrapping one end of a long rope around his wrist. “There,” she said after a few minutes. “Hold onto that and don’t let go, no matter what. I don’t care if your wrist breaks, you keep holding on, you hear me?”
“Yes ma’am,” he managed, fighting against the pull of gravity and the crush of the rock.
“Alright then,” she said. “I’m heading out. I’ll see you under the sky in a few minutes, okay?”
“Okay.”
He counted to thirty in his head. And then he did it again. He tried to remember the song he’d made the kids sing back in the cavern, but the words escaped him. Oh, how much he’d give to be back in that cavern now. Yes, there were still thousands upon thousands of tons of rock surrounding him from all angles, but at least he’d been able to move around.
He was going to die here. Why was he fighting so hard to hold himself up? It hurt. If he just breathed out he could slide down into the rock and at least then he wouldn’t have to hold himself up as he died. At least then maybe his muscles would stop screaming at him.
But then, with a great shuddering jerk, the rope around his wrist started pulling on him. It was excruciating, the pressure and the friction on the nerves of his wrist and arm which felt flayed open and raw after so long over his head. He cried out in pain but scrabbled with his toes, trying to find purchase in the rock.
There. Had he moved forward at all? It felt like he had, but maybe he was making it up. The pulling continued, and he closed his eyes. Nothing else mattered except holding onto the rope and pushing with his toes. He tried his best to stay at the top of the passage until suddenly his bottom arm ran into something and gave out beneath him.
He braced himself for the pinch, but it didn’t come. His torso landed awkwardly on the flat floor of the tunnel while his legs flopped down into the slot. If he hadn’t had the rope gravity might have pulled him backward, but as it was it kept him in position, one arm trapped awkwardly beneath his body, but at least now he could use his palm against the floor to aid him in his wiggling. He could hear Henry’s voice again. He was almost there.
Almost there.
He counted to thirty.
He counted to thirty again.
Almost.
***
WATCH: VIDEO OF ACD’S RESCUE
Posted 02/14/2024 @ 23:52
A video shows a group of workers surrounding a pulley device of some kind. Prince Henry and Ellen Claremont, both now dressed in jeans and fleeces, are crouched at the mouth of the cave, along with an unidentified woman with short curly hair. There’s a shout of excitement and suddenly Prince Henry lunges down, reaching as far as he can. He remains still for several moments before pulling back again. Slowly his hand emerges, another hand clasped in it, this one thoroughly wrapped in purple rope. Cheers break out from the surrounding crowd. Slowly, a head appears and then another arm is able to wiggle out, and then Alex Claremont-Diaz is crawling out into the fresh air. He’s filthy and covered in scrapes. Paramedics rush forward but Ellen Claremont raises a hand to halt them. Alex leaves his hand in Prince Henry’s and slowly climbs to his feet, Henry matching him. He turns to his mother, a picture-perfect smile on his face and starts to say something, but then stops again. The smile drops. Without warning, he collapses forward onto Henry. It becomes obvious that he is crying. Henry holds him with an arm around his waist and his other hand clutching at the back of Alex’s head. Henry is pressing kisses to whatever part of Alex he can reach — cheek, hair, temple —and appears to be murmuring quickly in his ear. Oscar Diaz steps out of the crowd, wrapping a blanket around his son’s shoulders without removing him from the embrace. Ellen rubs his back from her position beside him, speaking slowly. Their position remains unchanged for nearly a whole minute before June Claremont-Diaz steps forward. Alex pulls away from Henry, wipes his eyes with his sleeve, and then embraces his sister. Only then do the paramedics move in. Video ends.