A year later, Thailand's rescued 'cave boys' honor diver who died

[DonViejo]

Source: Reuters



JUNE 24, 2019 / 7:10 AM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO

Prapan Chankaew
3 MIN READ

CHIANG RAI, Thailand (Reuters) - A Thai soccer team trapped in a cave last year for 17 days returned there on Monday to perform Buddhist rituals honoring a former navy diver killed in the dramatic effort to rescue them that captivated the world.

A year after their ordeal, the team of 12, wearing yellow T-shirts, accompanied by their coach, gave alms to monks in honor of Sergeant Saman Kunan, who died while he worked underwater.

“I want to thank Sergeant Sam,” Ekkapol Chantawong, assistant coach of the Wild Boars soccer team, told Reuters Video News, as the group placed flowers before a portrait of the diver, set beside a row of shaven-headed monks in orange robes.

“Without him, I and the boys would not be standing here.”



Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-idUSKCN1TP19J

[keithbvadu2]

1. The heavy rains were about to start at the time of the rescue.

The heavy rains were about to start at the time of the rescue.

Wonder how soon they actually started?

The timing was tight.

It was fantastic that they all got out ok.

[canetoad]

5. I'd have to check keithbvadu2

But I believe it was practically the moment the rescue was over. The pumps keeping the water at a manageable level failed as they brought the last boy out.

[FM123]

2. I remember how relieved I was and how hard I cried when those kids were rescued.

Tragic that the diver didn't make it but without his efforts they might have all perished....

[Skittles]

3. I loved how cave experts from around the world helped make it happen

yes indeed

[applegrove]

4. Very scary times. The floods did get worse right after they got the coach out last.

They were very lucky indeed. Experts from everywhere made it happen but no one more than the Thais who started the rescue, layed out the tanks enroute and the one who gave his life. It was a team effort. It is amazing more were not killed on such a difficult cave system to dive.

[oasis]

6. A salute to a bona fide hero.

[Delphinus]

7. Amen