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Thailand cave rescue: former navy diver dies during operation – live Thailand cave rescue: former navy diver dies during operation – live
(35 minutes later)
Michael Safi has this report from Mae Sai about the death of the navy diver and ongoing concerns about air supply in the cave where the boys are sheltering.
The former Seal, identified as Saman Kunan, died around 1am on Friday morning after he was returning from placing air tanks along the roughly 3.2km route to the boys, the current method for refreshing the air supply in cave.
Kunan became unconscious while making the return journey from “chamber three”, around 1.5km inside the cave. A diving buddy tried to revive him but was unsuccessful. His body has been sent to Bangkok airport and he will receive a royal-sponsored funeral.
“These accidents can happen sometimes to anyone in the field, but we will go ahead and keep working,” said Rear Adm Arpakorn Yookongkaew, the Thai navy SEAL commander. “Our morale is still strong.”
He was asked how the 12 boys, at least two of who are said to be in a weakened state, could survive a journey through a cave that killed an adult former Seal.
“It’s different,” he said. “The Seals are the workers, they work to rescue, it’s a different standard to the kids. The boys are like the egg in the stone,” he said, a Thai expression suggestion the children were considered extremely fragile and would be treated with care.
The Thai king has announced that Saman Kunan’s funeral will be royally-sponsored.
Saman was coming back from a spot inside the Tham Luang cave where the group were located on Monday when his supplies ran short. On the way back he lost consciousness. His diving partner performed CPR but was unable to revive him.
Saman was pronounced dead at about 1am local time.
We are now updating our spelling of the name of the former navy diver who died while assisting in rescue operations. Previously we had spelled it Samarn, which we believed to be correct, but according to the man’s Facebook page, his name is spelled Saman. Apologies for that error.
Michael Safi reports that it is now raining at the entrance to the Tham Luang cave.
Michael Safi, our south Asia correspondent, is in Mae Sai and spoke with two of the boys on the Wild Boar football team who did not go to the caves with their teammates after training on 23 June.Michael Safi, our south Asia correspondent, is in Mae Sai and spoke with two of the boys on the Wild Boar football team who did not go to the caves with their teammates after training on 23 June.
One, Songpol Kanthawong, 13, didn’t go because he didn’t take his bike to practice that day. The other, Thaweechai Nameng, 13, had been ordered by his parents to return home after practice to catch up on homework.One, Songpol Kanthawong, 13, didn’t go because he didn’t take his bike to practice that day. The other, Thaweechai Nameng, 13, had been ordered by his parents to return home after practice to catch up on homework.
The full story is here:The full story is here:
Following on the heels of the terrible news of the death of the former navy Seal diver assisting with the rescue mission, there are now also concerns about the oxygen levels in the cave where the boys and their coach are trapped.Following on the heels of the terrible news of the death of the former navy Seal diver assisting with the rescue mission, there are now also concerns about the oxygen levels in the cave where the boys and their coach are trapped.
Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotthanakor, said oxygen levels in the cave have been depleted by the large number of rescue workers working in the cave network. Officials are now working to get a 5km-long cable into the cave where the boys are to supply them with air.Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotthanakor, said oxygen levels in the cave have been depleted by the large number of rescue workers working in the cave network. Officials are now working to get a 5km-long cable into the cave where the boys are to supply them with air.
The imminent monsoon rains, which could trap the boys inside the cave for up to four months, have combined with the treacherous dive conditions, to make this a very very difficult rescue operation.The imminent monsoon rains, which could trap the boys inside the cave for up to four months, have combined with the treacherous dive conditions, to make this a very very difficult rescue operation.
Who are the boys trapped in the cave?Who are the boys trapped in the cave?
While we wait for more news about the Thai diver who has died and any plans to rescue the trapped group today, Jacob Goldberg and Veena Thoopkrajae, reporting for the Guardian in Mae Sai, have compiled profiles of the boys and their coach.While we wait for more news about the Thai diver who has died and any plans to rescue the trapped group today, Jacob Goldberg and Veena Thoopkrajae, reporting for the Guardian in Mae Sai, have compiled profiles of the boys and their coach.
Among them is Adul Sam-on, 14, who spoke to British divers on Monday night. When the boys saw the lights of the divers torches the boys assumed they were explorers, unaware of the headlines and sympathy their plight had inspired around the world. Adul was the one who communicated with them, calling out in English to ask them what day it was and tell them that he and his friends were hungry. His teammates, unable to follow the conversation, chattered “eat, eat, eat” with the little English they had. Adul assured his friends: “I already told them.”Among them is Adul Sam-on, 14, who spoke to British divers on Monday night. When the boys saw the lights of the divers torches the boys assumed they were explorers, unaware of the headlines and sympathy their plight had inspired around the world. Adul was the one who communicated with them, calling out in English to ask them what day it was and tell them that he and his friends were hungry. His teammates, unable to follow the conversation, chattered “eat, eat, eat” with the little English they had. Adul assured his friends: “I already told them.”
His English skills have won him the admiration of millions in Thailand, where fewer than 30% of the population speak the language. According to local news outlets, his knowledge of English comes from his involvement in church activities. He also speaks Thai, Mandarin, and Burmese, which he learned living just over the border in Shan state, Myanmar.His English skills have won him the admiration of millions in Thailand, where fewer than 30% of the population speak the language. According to local news outlets, his knowledge of English comes from his involvement in church activities. He also speaks Thai, Mandarin, and Burmese, which he learned living just over the border in Shan state, Myanmar.
You can read their full story here.You can read their full story here.
A former Thai navy Seal diver has died during the rescue efforts, officials have announced.A former Thai navy Seal diver has died during the rescue efforts, officials have announced.
The diver has been named as Samarn Kunan, 38, from Roi Et, a former Thai navy Seal who was assisting in the rescue efforts in a volunteer capacity. The diver has been named as Saman Kunan, 38, from Roi Et, a former Thai navy Seal who was assisting in the rescue efforts in a volunteer capacity.
He died when he ran out of air, while diving in the caves at 1am last night. He had been placing air tanks in the caves, as part of preparations for a potential rescue mission.He died when he ran out of air, while diving in the caves at 1am last night. He had been placing air tanks in the caves, as part of preparations for a potential rescue mission.
His body has been sent to Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok.His body has been sent to Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok.
It is unclear how his death will affect plans to rescue the 12 children and their football coach currently trapped in the Tham Luang cave network.It is unclear how his death will affect plans to rescue the 12 children and their football coach currently trapped in the Tham Luang cave network.
One of the rescue plans being explored by Thai officials is of getting the children to wear diving masks and having them escorted through the caves by navy divers.One of the rescue plans being explored by Thai officials is of getting the children to wear diving masks and having them escorted through the caves by navy divers.
A spokesman asked how children can be ferried through this cave if an adult former navy Seal died in there, replied: “We have to try everything.”A spokesman asked how children can be ferried through this cave if an adult former navy Seal died in there, replied: “We have to try everything.”
It is unclear how the death of the diver will affect plans to rescue the children. Obviously the death of an experienced former navy Seal diver raises questions about how safe it will be for the children – who have no diving experience – to dive out of the caves.It is unclear how the death of the diver will affect plans to rescue the children. Obviously the death of an experienced former navy Seal diver raises questions about how safe it will be for the children – who have no diving experience – to dive out of the caves.
A spokesman was asked about this and replied: “We have to try everything”.A spokesman was asked about this and replied: “We have to try everything”.
Spokesman is asked how children can be ferried through this cave if an adult former navy seal died in there. "We have to try everything" he says #ThamluangcaveSpokesman is asked how children can be ferried through this cave if an adult former navy seal died in there. "We have to try everything" he says #Thamluangcave
The incident occurred at 1am local time (about nine hours ago).The incident occurred at 1am local time (about nine hours ago).
Jacob Goldberg, reporting for the Guardian, says that the diver died when he ran out of air while placing air tanks at stages throughout the cave. His body has been sent to Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok and his hometown is Roi Et.Jacob Goldberg, reporting for the Guardian, says that the diver died when he ran out of air while placing air tanks at stages throughout the cave. His body has been sent to Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok and his hometown is Roi Et.
The name of the diver who has died during the operation has been named as Samarn Kunan, 38, a former Thai navy Seal. He died while placing air tanks around the cave. The name of the diver who has died during the operation has been named as Saman Kunan, 38, a former Thai navy Seal. He died while placing air tanks around the cave.
A former Thai navy Seal aiding in rescue efforts has died in the tunnel due to a lack of oxygen.A former Thai navy Seal aiding in rescue efforts has died in the tunnel due to a lack of oxygen.
The death was confirmed at the press conference and people have been paying tribute to the diver on Facebook.The death was confirmed at the press conference and people have been paying tribute to the diver on Facebook.
A press conference has begun. Officials are updating the gathered press scrum about what’s going on. Our south Asia correspondent Michael Safi is there, we’ll post updates as soon as they’re through.A press conference has begun. Officials are updating the gathered press scrum about what’s going on. Our south Asia correspondent Michael Safi is there, we’ll post updates as soon as they’re through.
As we reported yesterday, some of the group are unwell. Two of the boys and their coach have been diagnosed with malnutrition and exhaustion. This could be a complicating factor in any potential rescue dive, which would be a five hour dive in tricky conditions.As we reported yesterday, some of the group are unwell. Two of the boys and their coach have been diagnosed with malnutrition and exhaustion. This could be a complicating factor in any potential rescue dive, which would be a five hour dive in tricky conditions.
Yesterday, Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotthanakor, said they would consider rescuing the boys in stages – taking out those who are strong enough sooner.Yesterday, Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotthanakor, said they would consider rescuing the boys in stages – taking out those who are strong enough sooner.
“We are racing against the rain,” the coordinator of this rescue operation said yesterday.“We are racing against the rain,” the coordinator of this rescue operation said yesterday.
This morning in Chiang Rai, some of that rain is predicted to arrive. It’s a sign that the window of unseasonable sunshine that authorities have been granted this week is coming to an end, and the 12 boys may soon be cut off for months.This morning in Chiang Rai, some of that rain is predicted to arrive. It’s a sign that the window of unseasonable sunshine that authorities have been granted this week is coming to an end, and the 12 boys may soon be cut off for months.
Authorities at the cave site are giving little away, but a stream of rescue workers, divers and soldiers are continuing to arrive and the work of pumping water from the caves is ongoing.Authorities at the cave site are giving little away, but a stream of rescue workers, divers and soldiers are continuing to arrive and the work of pumping water from the caves is ongoing.
Yesterday the target was an area known as chamber three – still at least two kilometres from the ledge where the boys are sheltering. It is unclear if the team can drain enough water for the boys to walk out – that’s plan A – but at some point today they may decide enough water is gone to risk taking the boys on the five-hour journey to the exit.Yesterday the target was an area known as chamber three – still at least two kilometres from the ledge where the boys are sheltering. It is unclear if the team can drain enough water for the boys to walk out – that’s plan A – but at some point today they may decide enough water is gone to risk taking the boys on the five-hour journey to the exit.
But the boys are also safe where they are. If the rains do arrive, authorities might decide keeping them in the cave until the monsoon eases, possibly in October, is preferable to risking a journey in the jagged, muddy cave system where they’ve been stranded the past 13 days.But the boys are also safe where they are. If the rains do arrive, authorities might decide keeping them in the cave until the monsoon eases, possibly in October, is preferable to risking a journey in the jagged, muddy cave system where they’ve been stranded the past 13 days.
Rescuers have been working around the clock to drain the caves, employing hundreds of pumps, in the hope that by reducing the water level the boys will be able to leave the caves without having to attempt a dangerous dive.Rescuers have been working around the clock to drain the caves, employing hundreds of pumps, in the hope that by reducing the water level the boys will be able to leave the caves without having to attempt a dangerous dive.
Last night the Thai Navy SEALs shared photographs of the teams working to pump out the water, saying they had made it possible to walk between chambers two and three, and that officials would all “work long into the night to get the young footballers home soon”.Last night the Thai Navy SEALs shared photographs of the teams working to pump out the water, saying they had made it possible to walk between chambers two and three, and that officials would all “work long into the night to get the young footballers home soon”.
Michael Safi reports that rain clouds above Mae Sai are “much lower and darker” than on previous days.Michael Safi reports that rain clouds above Mae Sai are “much lower and darker” than on previous days.
Monsoon rains, predicted to arrive any day, are a major source of concern for the rescue teams. The governor of the province, who is heading up the search efforts, said they were in a “race against time”. as monsoon rains are predicted this weekend, which could mean the boys are trapped inside the cave and cut off from the entrance – meaning they are cut off from supplies and communication – for up to four months until the end of the monsoon season.Monsoon rains, predicted to arrive any day, are a major source of concern for the rescue teams. The governor of the province, who is heading up the search efforts, said they were in a “race against time”. as monsoon rains are predicted this weekend, which could mean the boys are trapped inside the cave and cut off from the entrance – meaning they are cut off from supplies and communication – for up to four months until the end of the monsoon season.
Clouds much lower, and darker, than previous days on the path to #Thamluangcave. Day 13 pic.twitter.com/R9SSpOkZsJClouds much lower, and darker, than previous days on the path to #Thamluangcave. Day 13 pic.twitter.com/R9SSpOkZsJ
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the rescue efforts to free the trapped football team and their coach from the Tham Luang caves in northern Thailand.Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the rescue efforts to free the trapped football team and their coach from the Tham Luang caves in northern Thailand.
We are now entering the fourth day since the boys were found in the cave by British divers after a nine-day round-the-clock search. Since they were found on Monday night, officials have been trying to find a safe way to bring the boys, who are trapped 5km into the caves, out to safety.We are now entering the fourth day since the boys were found in the cave by British divers after a nine-day round-the-clock search. Since they were found on Monday night, officials have been trying to find a safe way to bring the boys, who are trapped 5km into the caves, out to safety.
My colleague Michael Safi is at the cave and will be filing reports as they come in, you can follow him on Twitter here. You can follow me on Twitter here and email me on kate.lyons@theguardian.com with any questions or tips.My colleague Michael Safi is at the cave and will be filing reports as they come in, you can follow him on Twitter here. You can follow me on Twitter here and email me on kate.lyons@theguardian.com with any questions or tips.