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Former Thai navy SEAL Samarn Kunan, 38, was laying oxygen tanks along the exit route when his own supply ran out and he collapsed.
His death highlights the dangers of the mission to try to bring the children out, as rescuers prepare for a high-risk evacuation within 48 hours.
The SEAL unit said in a statement: “Once his mission was over he dove back, but his buddy found Samarn unconscious in the water and tried to pump his heart. But he could not save his life.
“The conditions in the cave are tough. We won’t let his life be in vain. We will carry on.” But volunteers fear the mission will not be easy.
One said: “A navy SEAL just passed away last night. How about a 12-year-old boy that will have to pass through?
“There will be rain and many things could go wrong. I don’t want to say it, but it could be a catastrophe.” Fears were last night growing over depleted oxygen levels in the cave amid warnings there is a “limited amount of time” to get the lads and coach out.
Monsoon rain forecast in Chiang Rai province from today will raise water levels. The boys were found alive by British divers. INTERVIEW MUSIC Moviesastreetcatnamedbob MOVIES MUSIC MUSIC