In history, rescue missions have highlighted the brave missions of skill and hope for humans. During crucial times, the heroes or bravery of humans stands parallel to undesirable circumstances and in odd situations. The team usually faces indescribable obstacles and challenges during the missions but with perseverance and determination, many rescue missions are completed and managed. Some unsuccessful rescue missions serve as challenges for humans during this crucial time. Rescuers must have good communication and teamwork to make things work on both sides without causing any chaos.
We’ll delve into ten such unforgettable rescue missions that remind us of the importance of teamwork and courage in times of uncertainty.
10) Copiapo Mining Accident:
Source: Wikipedia
This incident dates back to 2010 when a devastating accident occurred in Chile. During this incident, thirty-three miners were trapped inside the mine and the way out of the mine was blocked. The survivors in the mine worked together shared limited food and supported each other during this chaotic situation. It is astounding to know that the leader of these ill-fated miners kept the miners united and hopeful. Things were almost impossible as there was no way out but fortunately, something amazing happened.
It was a miraculous attempt after almost 69 days, that a newly drilled escape tunnel was formed which united these miners with their families.
9) 1952 Pendleton Rescue:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1952, a tragic storm hit Cape Cod, breaking the pieces of the SS Pendleton tanker into pieces. On one piece of the tanker, the captain and seven sailors were present. While, in another half of the tanker 32 crewmen were aboard. The rescue was so difficult that it almost looked impossible to save the crews aboard.
The signals of the radar were difficult to locate as the ship was broken into pieces. One of the crewmen, George Myers, sadly died when a strong wave struck him. After a long wait finally a ray of hope was visible as four coastal guardsmen came to rescue the survivors and ill-fated crew members.
The crewmen were rescued successfully but unfortunately, the captain and seven sailors couldn’t survive. Later, when the investigations began it was revealed that the incident occurred due to the use of poor-quality steel as it was constructed during the times of warfare.
8) The Whales of Point Barrow:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1988, a rescue effort was carried out in Alaska to rescue the three gray whales that were stuck in ice. A hunter on his way to hunt found the incident and quickly came into action to help the whales. Unfortunately, it was not a one-man show and later, a global response ensued. Many forces like North Slope oil companies, the Alaska National Guard, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Soviet Union joined forces for the rescue mission.
The operation was very expensive as it estimated around $1 million. Despite the efforts, one of the smallest whales succumbed to loss of appetite. Meanwhile, the fate of two whales remains unknown but according to the resources the whales survived.
This rescue operation shows the international cooperation of the companies to rescue the wildlife and conservation of the species. This remarkable effort has been applauded till now.
7) Beslan School Hostage Crisis:
Source: Wikipedia
This terrorist attack was held in September 2004. One of the schools in Beslan, Russia witnessed the dark event. During school time, a ceremony was being held when a group of heavily armed terrorists stormed the school taking over 1000s of hostages. It was this crucial time for the families and the children as the world witnessed this all happening with fear. However, after two days the security forces stormed the school with heavy weapons and ammunition to rescue the school. Unfortunately, it was late because hundreds of children had already lost their lives.
This event remains a tragic event in the history of Russia and many answers and explanations remain unknown.
6) Andes Flight Disaster:
Source: Wikipedia
The Andes Flight Disaster occurred in 1972 when a rugby team from Uruguay suddenly crashed into the Andes mountains. The plane had a crew present, a total of 45 people from which only 29 people survived at first. As time passed, only 16 people survived fighting with the extremes of the conditions as it was very cold temperature in the mountains with no chance of survival. To date, there is no whereabouts of the other people on the plane. A movie was also filmed based on this horrific event to pay tribute to the survivors and those who lost their lives.
5) Iran Hostage Crisis:
Source: Wikipedia
The Iran Hostage Crisis is one of the most important moments in American history. It all started when Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran. The reason for this riot was to allow the Shah of Iran to receive the treatment in U.S. The situation got so overwhelming that almost fifty American hostages were taken by Iran. As a result, a rescue attempt was launched by President Jimmy known as “Operation Eagle Claw”. The operation remained unsuccessful as the helicopters devastatingly collided and crashed causing casualties.
The hostages remained captive for more than a year. Later on, Ayatollah Khomeini released minorities, children and non-US hostages. Despite all that, the crisis remained unsolved and all the hostages were later released after negotiations with the new leaders elected.
4) Miracle on the Hudson:
Source: Wikipedia
The Miracle on the Hudson still sends shivers to the people’s spine. It all happened when the US Flight took off from New York and was headed toward North Carolina in 2009. Just a minute later, the disaster struck. During the flight, a flock of geese collided with the plane and damaged both of the engines. The captain of the flight was in critical distress, as he had to act fast. With no engine, the Captain decided to land on the Hudson River.
Miraculously, all the lives on board were saved by a rescue operation which saved almost all the people. Despite the major loss of engines, only minor damages were reported. This heroic act remains sung and promotes the importance of prompt safety before the flight.
3) Entebbe Hostage Rescue:
Source: Wikipedia
The Entebbe Rescue Operation is also known as Operation Thunderbolt, executed by Israel in 1976. One of the airplanes was hijacked by terrorists from a German group and a popular front for the Liberation and Freedom of Palestine. As they landed in Uganda, the president of Uganda supported them for their cause. The hijackers demanded $5 million and released the terrorists. When Israel negotiated, they made a secret plan and implemented it. They flew to Uganda disguised as local forces and freed the hostages within one hour.
2) Thai Cave Rescue:
Source: Wikipedia
In 2018, a soccer team and their coach visited the caves when suddenly the heavy rain started and trapped them inside. Many experts and rescue workers came together to save the team. The rain hindered the plan because of narrow tunnels and the rise of water. Many players of the team were pulled out, some of them swam their way out and a few of them were waiting for the rain to stop. Although, the victims that were trapped were saved unfortunately the rescuer died.
1) Apollo 13 Rescue Mission:
Source: Wikipedia
Apollo 13 was launched in 1970 for a mission to walk to the moon. During the mission almost 200,000 miles away, an oxygen tank exploded. This put the astronaut’s lives in danger. An emergency plan was executed by NASA Mission Control to save the astronauts. All three of the astronauts were moved to a small spaceship named Aquarius. Despite the challenges, the astronauts had a successful return from the mission. This mishap caused the crew to be more cautious about the spacecraft and have a backup oxygen tank with them.
