Former Navy Diver dies during the Thai cave rescue operation
A Former NAVY SEAL has died while trying to rescue 12 boys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand, according to Thai authorities. A former Thai Navy Seal diver’s death from lack of oxygen has raised serious concerns about how much air the 12 boys and their soccer coach have access to inside the cave. Boys aged between 11 to 16 years didn’t have any diving experience and were unable to swim. Chiang Rai deputy governor Passakorn Boonyaluck told reporters, “A former Seal who volunteered to help died last night about 2 am,” and called it as Sad News. The ‘Hero’ diver Saman Kunot lost consciousness on his way out of the Tham Luang cave complex after delivering supplies and could not be revived. His job was to deliver oxygen tanks and carry lines to the cave so that they boys and coach could get enough oxygen to breathe properly. Thai Seal commander Apakorn Yookongkaew said, “We lost one man, but we still have faith to carry out our work.” The officials promised to investigate his death and have sent his body for autopsy to a local hospital. He also added that they have to make extra efforts and take careful precautions to rescue those boys. It would be an exhausting 11-hour round trip for experienced divers too. Rafael Aroush, an Israeli diver who is helping the rescue bid is worried and said, “It’s very risky (diving out). Think about it, a Navy Seal just passed away last night, so how about a 12-year-old kid.” This incident is a major setback for the effort which started nearly 10 days ago when “Wild Boars” team went into the cave in northern Thailand following football practice. Whole country is holding its breath for a safe evacuation. People from across the globe are praying for the team and social media is flooded with support and good luck messages. Now, threat of rains is following this mission. The Rescue team have very limited time to evacuate the boys from the cave. Though, the rescue team is continuously extracting water from the cave. And team is receiving basic training in breathing, diving to survive in the evacuation process. -PTC News
