Navy SEAL dies attempting to save boys trapped in flooded cave
A former Thai navy SEAL has died from a lack of oxygen while working to rescue the boys’ soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.
SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew told a news conference Friday morning that the rescuer was working in a volunteer capacity and died during an overnight mission in which he was bringing in oxygen canisters.
The victim has been identified as Saman Khunan from Roi Et in north-eastern Thailand.
Victim has been identified as Samam Khunan from Roi Et in north-eastern Thailand.
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The teammates and their coach were trapped inside when heavy rains flooded the cave in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in northern Chiang Rai almost two weeks ago.
They were found by rescue divers Monday night during a desperate search that drew assistance from experts around the globe.
There is now a nervous wait to see how and when the boys will make their way out of the cave, given their deterioriating conditions.
Divers wary of taking boys underwater
Experienced divers are wary of taking out the boys through the dark and dangerous waters still in the cave, especially since they are untrained.
“We are talking kilometres of transport under the water with zero visibility,” said Claus Rasmusen, a certified cave diving instructor based in Thailand who has been helping Thai SEAL team with logistics.
“It’s difficult.”
He said it was awkward, but possible, to teach them minimal skills.
“Nobody will teach anyone a full cave course, but trying to get them comfortable with masks, with the breathing, (is) completely different,” he said.
“Creating an environment that can make them safely get away, that’s feasible.”
