Divers ‘pride of nation’
Honours for all Australians involved in rescue of Thai cave boys
AUSTRALIAN Richard “Harry” Harris has been honoured with Australia’s second highest civilian bravery award today for his heroic efforts as part of the rescue mission to free the Wild Boars soccer team from a flooded Thai cave.
The Adelaide anaesthetist and his dive partner, retired Perth vet Craig Challen, were awarded the Star of Courage at a special ceremony in Canberra yesterday.
Seven other Australians who put their own lives on the line to rescue the 12 boys and their soccer coach, including six Australian Federal Police divers and Navy officer Troy Eather, were also given bravery medals and the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten attended the ceremony to recognise their efforts, along with Thailand’s Ambassador to Australia Nantana Sivakua.
Mr Turnbull paid tribute to the men, saying: “You saved those young men and as you did so, you inspired not just your own nation, our nation, but, holding its breath and praying for your success, you inspired the whole world.”
He also acknowledged all of the rescuers involved, highlighting former Thai Navy SEAL Saman Kunan, who lost his life in the mission.
The Governor-General described the nine as “remarkable” Australians.
Sir Peter noted that when they were being interviewed for the awards, they acknowledged the wonderful work of others but said they personally were not exceptional but were just “doing their bit”.
“None of us will dispute the former. On the latter, we think that you were remarkable — skilful, tireless, compassionate and courageous,” he said.
“Your nation is so proud of you. Australia salutes you.”
The AFP officers involved were revealed for the first time as Senior Constable Justin John Bateman, Leading Senior Constable Kelly Craig Boers, detective Leading Senior Constable Benjamin Walter Cox, First Constable Matthew Peter Fitzgerald, Acting Sergeant Robert Michael James and detective Leading Senior Constable Christopher John Markcrow.
“These men deployed at short notice to Thailand as part of the international response effort,” Official Secretary to the GovernorGeneral Mark Fraser said.
“They played an instrumental role in the search and scout diving during the early phases, including before water pumps had been installed, when there were no maps or lighting, increasing the obvious risks.
“Conditions were incredibly challenging, there was zero visibility and strong currents to contend with.
“For most there were many long days of diving (in some cases over 10 hours a day for 10 days) they dived kilometres within the cave system, searching, scouting, helping establish forward operating bases.
“They helped carry oxygen cylinders and other vital supplies.
“Throughout, they were conscious of the urgent and life-saving task of finding and retrieving the young men.
“They put themselves into life-threatening danger knowingly, risking their own lives for others.
“As integral members of the rescue effort, they formed part of the daisy chain throughout the cave system, gently shepherding the fragile bodies of the boys from hand to hand.
“They did not give up until the job was done. And for their acts of bravery, our nation says thank you.”
Mr Fraser said the Order of Australia medals were awarded for the whole group, who persisted under perilous conditions against unimaginable odds and prevailed.
“They brought the faces of 13 young men back into the sunshine and into the arms of their loved ones,” he said.
“They brought to the fore all of the values we hold dear as Australians, and today their nation thanks them.”
Dr Harris and Dr Challen were described as “instrumental” and “linchpins” of the entire rescue mission.
“The full deeds of these men may never be fully known,” Mr Fraser said.
“What we do know is that they worked together as a team, and they have been described as linchpins.
“There is no doubt that their application of medical skill and solutions was instrumental in the outcome.
“For days these men dived for long hours deep within the cave system. Conditions were very hazardous.
“The precious lives of these boys were in their hands.
“With expert skill and care they devised a solution that was thought impossible.
“One-by-one the boys were sent through the daisy chain, in darkness, and against the odds. And one-by-one they were saved.
“The boys have returned to the warm embrace of the outside world, because of these men standing before us, and because of their bravery.”
Dr Harris and Dr Challen were awarded the Star of Courage for conspicuous courage during the rescue and a Medal of the Order of Australia for their service to the international community.
Only 164 Australians have been given the Star of Courage since it was established in 1975.
Dr Harris and Dr Challen were about to go on holiday to the Nullarbor when they were called to take part in the rescue.
Over the course of the next few days, both played a pivotal role in the rescue.