A Thai diver and ex-navy Seal has perished, after successfully delivering oxygen tanks to 12 young boys who’ve endured 13 days in Tham Luang cave.
Retired Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, Mr Saman Kunan, unfortunately passed away due to “loss of air” on his way out from the cave complex.
Deputy Chiang Rai governor confirmed the diver’s passing in an official statement, and Kunam’s funeral will take place on Friday evening (6 Jun).
Mr Saman Kunan, a retired Navy Seal in his early thirties, had volunteered to help rescue the trapped children.
He was tasked to deliver oxygen tanks to keep the boys well-supplied in the cave.
Unfortunately, he did not have enough oxygen on the way back — having lost consciousness underwater after “placing the oxygen tanks in the cave complex”.
His colleagues brought him back to the surface — where first aid was immediately administered.
However, he remained unconscious on the way to the hospital and was subsequently declared dead.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, experts are concerned about whether the young boys will be able to escape in the same way.
As the cave remains flooded with water, if an experienced diver struggled to make it out, would it still be feasible to proceed with the rescue?
Currently, one diver needs to carry at least 3 oxygen air tanks to make a one-way trip.
The boys – aged between 11 to 16 – and divers face the impossible task of crossing a 1.7km underwater distance within the cave complex to make it out.
Despite the current casualty and risks, the original plan for the stranded boys and coach to dive out still remains in place.
In a race against time, authorities have confirmed that they will not cease the operation, until all 13 people stranded have been rescued.
However, as the rescue operation continues, and more divers enter the cave, oxygen levels will continue to decline.
The team of divers will continue to provide oxygen to the boys in the same way.
While a separate team devises a plan to pull an air pipe through, allowing the children a constant supply of oxygen.
Spanning 4km, it will be attached with a telephone line, for communication purposes.
In a gripping story of survival that has captured global attention, the impossible tale unfolding in one of Thailand’s largest cave complexes has had its fair share of ups and downs.
Just how difficult is it to get all the boys out?
5-6 hours is required to reach them, while the team has to remain submerged for 12 hours in total to complete a full trip.
The affected area is submerged and lacks natural light, making navigation difficult.
Plus, the unpredictable weather only adds to their predicament.
Our previous article will help shed further light on the magnitude of this hero’s sacrifice.
Read more:
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, godspeed to the heroic team, and our heartfelt prayers for the boys who remained trapped.
More importantly, we hope that the cave’s treacherous complex will not take anymore lives.
Featured image from Thai NavySEAL.
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