Cave boys weep as they learn of diver’s death
The 12 boys rescued from a Thai cave were moved to tears as they paid tribute to the former navy Seal who died in the build-up to their dramatic rescue.
The Wild Boars football team, who are recovering in hospital following 18 days spent inside the Tham Luang cave, wrote messages of thanks on a picture of Saman Kunan after they were told of the diver’s death.
Images of the children in their hospital gowns with their heads bowed low were released on Sunday as British divers involved in the international rescue mission claimed the Thai navy divers were ‘‘out of their depth’’ before their own crucial intervention.
Doctors at the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, where the boys, aged 11 to 16, are being treated, said that they were expected to be discharged on Thursday.
The health ministry said the overall condition for the players and coach was ‘‘normal’’, though many are still on a course of antibiotics.
Medics said the boys were only considered mentally strong enough on Saturday to hear the news of Kunan.
‘‘All cried and expressed their condolences by writing messages on a drawing of Lieutenant Commander Saman and observed one minute of silence for him,’’ Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk, permanent secretary at the health ministry, said.
- Telegraph Group