Thailand cave rescue divers up for Pride of Britain award
Nominations for heroes close soon
THE British divers who rescued trapped youngsters from a flooded cave system in Thailand are in the running for a Pride of Britain award.
John Volanthen and Rick Stanton have been nominated by many members of the public for finding the the Wild Boars football team after they had been trapped for nine days.
All 12 team members and their coach were brought to safety days later in a daring operation under incredibly dangerous conditions.
Hailing Mr Volanthen and Mr Stanton, British Cave Rescue Council vice chairman Bill Whitehouse said: “They are the A-Team, if you like. They have the skills and expertise to do it.”
A distinguished panel of judges will choose the winners of the Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards 2018, in partnership with TSB. Hosted by Carol Vorderman in October, the glittering event celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes will again be screened on ITV.
The dramatic cave rescue captivated the world after the schoolboys became trapped in the Tham Luang caves in Chiang Rai with their 25-year-old coach with little food, fresh water or light.
They had gone in after football practice on June 23 but heavy rains brought floods, cutting off their exit.
After they were found experienced divers took them out one by one through the flooded tunnels, some so narrow they could not be negotiated without removing oxygen tanks.
One Thai Navy Seal died in the rescue efforts.
Nominations for Pride of Britain 2018 close at midnight tomorrow.
Carol said: “There’s still time for the public to nominate anyone they feel deserves recognition at Pride of Britain.
“Perhaps it’s a courageous child, a charity fundraiser, a community champion or an inspiring teacher or member of the NHS, emergency services or armed forces. We want to celebrate the very best of our country.”
To nominate an unsung hero, please visit www.prideofbritain.com