Baby Jessica Was Rescued From A Deep Well, Over 30 Years Ago, As The World Watched With Bated Breath

Dec 11, 2019 by apost team

At the mention of the name "Baby Jessica", anyone who followed her story in 1987 remembers her dramatic rescue. For more than two days, the nation held its breath as rescuers worked around the clock to rescue the toddler who was trapped in an abandoned well.

Local emergency services, contractors, and recovery experts worked tirelessly and achieved what's been called a miracle.

Playing in her aunt's back yard in Midland, Texas, 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell into a narrow, empty well. She became trapped more than 20 feet below the ground in a shaft that was only about eight inches wide. Because the well was so deep and so narrow, it was impossible to reach down into the well to safely remove her from the deep shaft.

Rescue efforts had emergency services and volunteers working alongside drilling experts and contractors to develop a plan to safely reach Jessica. Workers had to create a large shaft beside the well, drilling through solid rock.

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The shaft had to go straight down and then slant across to the toddler's location. All of this had to be done without creating danger to Jessica herself, and without any unnecessary delay.

As hours turned into days, Americans watched the news wide-eyed, hoping and praying that the rescue efforts would be fast enough, precise enough, and careful enough to save that baby. Throughout this time, rescue workers pumped oxygen down into the well and talked to baby Jessica. They were heartened to hear her talk and even sing in response, reports Penn Live.

Families hugged their own babies a little tighter and empathized with Jessica's terrified parents and friends, watching and waiting, needing a miracle. The careful planning and tireless efforts paid off when rescuers completed the new shaft and went down, reached Baby Jessica, and brought her to safety. Nearly 60 hours were spent in the rescue.

The nation cheered and cried tears of joy, watching the emotional climax to such an incredible story. America rallied around Midland, Texas, that day. Strangers became Baby Jessica's community. And, as Jessica herself said in an interview with People, more than 30 years later, God was on her side that day.

Let us know your thoughts on this amazing true story. For those who heard about the story when it happened, it's an unforgettable one. If you've just heard about this inspiring and dramatic rescue for the first time, tell someone else about it!