Thai heros say outcome ‘beyond imagination’
AUSTRALIA’S Thai cave hero doctor and his diving partner have said the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach was almost beyond their imagination.
Doctor Richard ‘Harry’ Harris, an Adelaide anaesthetist, who was hailed a “hero of the Thai people”, sent out a message of thanks with his friend, retired Perth vet Craig Challen.
They thanked the soccer team for “placing their trust” in them to get out safely.
They were among 20 Australians involved in the rescue effort, and were photographed alongside medical staff at Chiang Rai Hospital yesterday.
“We particularly would like to thank the players and their coach for placing their trust in us. We wish them a speedy recovery,” they said.
They also thanked those who sent messages of support.
“The favourable outcome that has been achieved is almost beyond our imagination when we first became involved in this operation,” they said.
Dr Harris and Mr Challen were about to go on a holiday to the Nullarbor together when their plans changed on Thursday last week.
They went to Thailand within an hour of being called to assist.
The pair also acknowledged the “vast number of participants from military and civilian organisations in various support roles”.
“Additionally, we were only a small part of an Australian contingent comprising personnel from DFAT, AFP, and ADF who performed valuable roles,” they said.
“Our thanks and greatest admiration go the British lead divers, and support divers along the route in and out of the cave system from the EU, US, China and Australia, as well as the vast number of participants from military and civilian organisations in various support roles.
“We are humbled to have been able to provide our expertise and experience to assist in this international operation led by the Thai Government.”
Mr Challen’s partner Heather Endall said she had initially doubted the rescue operation would end well.
“He did hold concerns for the situation. I think he went over there with a bit of a pessimistic view – he thought it was going to be a challenge to get the boys out alive,” she said.
“He didn’t actually display any regard for his own safety.”
Dr Harris was the last person out of the cave following the risky mission. He later found out his 88-year-old father had died.