Thai diver dies in cave rescue

MAE SAI, Thailand — A former Thai military diver has drowned while helping in the operation to rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped inside a flooded cave, officials said on Friday, highlighting fears over the painstaking operation to extract the youngsters.

His death raises serious doubts about the safety of attempting to bring the group out the same way, through cramped passageways deep inside the flooded cave.

Many of the boys — between 11 to 16 — are unable to swim and none has diving experience.

“A former Seal who volunteered to help died last night about 2 am,” said Chiang Rai deputy governor Passakorn Boonyaluck.

The diver, identified as Saman Kunont, was coming back from a location inside the Tham Luang cave, where the kids and their coach were found on Monday.

“On his way back, he lost consciousness,” said Thai Seal commander Apakorn Yookongkaew. “We lost one man, but we still have faith to carry out our work.”

The diver’s mission was to bring oxygen tanks and carry lines along the passageways between a forward operating base and the muddy embankment where the children and coach are sheltering.

Even for expert divers the journey is an exhausting 11-hour round trip. “It’s very risky. Think about it, a Navy Seal just passed away last night, so how about a 12-year-old kid,” said Rafael Aroush, an Israeli diver helping the rescue bid.

Officials vowed to investigate the death, and have sent the body to a local hospital for an autopsy.

The accident marks the first major setback for the gargantuan effort, which started almost two weeks ago after the “Wild Boars” team went into the cave in northern Thailand.

Their ordeal has gripped Thailand, with the nation holding its breath for their safe extraction.

Messages of support and prayers for the team have flooded social media, while reporters from around the world have massed at the cave entrance.