A former Thai Navy SEAL, who volunteered in rescue efforts to save the 13 members of a youth soccer teamtrapped in a Thailand cave, has died.
On Thursday evening, the military diver, who was identified as retired Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Saman Kunam, died near the Tham Luang caves after an attempt to supply one of the chambers with oxygen tanks, according tolocal media reports.
“It was sad news, a former Seal who volunteered to help died last night about 2am,” Boonyaluck told reporters, according toChannel News Asia. “His job was to deliver oxygen (in the cave). He did not have enough on his way back.”
Boonyaluck and local authorities confirmed that Kunam lost consciousness after placing oxygen tanks in the cave complex. First aid was administered but he could not be revived and subsequently died.
2018 Thai cave rescue.ARMY HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
The soccer players (ages 11-16) and their 25-year-old coach were found late Monday after rescue teams,including members of the U.S. military, had beensearching the flooded cave for the teamsince June 23, Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osatanakorn said, according to theAssociated Press.
A doctor sitting with the soccer team also asks, “What do the 13 of you want to say to your fans? Everybody in this world has been following your news.”
AP/REX/Shutterstock
Rescue teams are nowworking to determine just how they’ll get the children out safelyas monsoons threaten the area.
A pair of Thai Navy doctors has remained with the boys in the cave as officials work to determine how to free the team,NBC Newsreported on Tuesday.
The boys do not know how to swim, creating another complication for rescue teams.
Meanwhile, friends and familyhuddled around the opening, praying and performing rituals as the search for the children continued.
source: people.com
