Thai special forces die while rescuing boys soccer team in cave
A former Thai navy commando died from lack of oxygen while on duty in the Tham Luang cave where the young soccer team was trapped.
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Divers work in Tham Luang cave. Photo:ABC News |
GuardianThe victim was reported to be a diver namedSamarn Kunan, 38 years old.Former memberThai Navy SEALs die from lack of oxygenwhile placing gas cylinders in Tham Luang cave.
Information about his death was released by the media.Thailand confirmed at a press conference this morning.
"A former SEAL who volunteered to assist in the rescue died last night at around 2am," Chiang Rai deputy governor Passakorn Boonyaluck also confirmed to reporters at the scene, calling it "sad news".
AFPnamed the victim as Saman Kunont and said he died while returning from a location inside.cave. "On the way out, he passed out," the SEAL commander said.Apakorn Yookongkaew, said, adding that an associate tried to help him out.
Bodydiverwas transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok before being taken to his hometown Roi Et.Many people expressed their condolences to him on Facebook.
It is unclear whether the accident will affect plans to rescue the 12 boys and their coach.
Asked how the children, who could not swim, could move out of the cave when a veteran diver was also in danger, the SEAL spokesman replied: "We have to try everything. Even if we lose one person, we still have to have faith to continue our work."
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Journey to the place where the Thai youth soccer team was trapped in the cave. Click on the photo to see details. Graphics:Ta Lu. |
The 13 victims trapped in Tham Luang cave since June 23 are being taught to dive with equipment so they can escape under the escort of rescue forces. However, this plan is considered risky by experts.
Meanwhile, Thailand is using hundreds of industrial pumps to drain water from the cave, with the aim of getting the victims out without having to dive. The pumping has been accelerated because of rain expected from tomorrow.If the water level in the cave rises again, the boys' soccer team could be trapped here for months.
Chiang Rai Governor Narongsak Osotthanakor said another concern was that oxygen levels were running low because of the large number of rescuers inside. Officials were working to extend a 5km cable to the cave to provide air for the boys to breathe.
