Diver dies in operation to rescue young footballers in northern Thailand

Xinhua Published: 2018-07-06 11:25:57
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Thai authorities said on Friday that a former navy SEAL diver working to rescue 12 boy footballers and their coach trapped in a cave has died from lack of oxygen.

Family members react after hearing the news that the missing 12 boys and their soccer coach have been found, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand, Monday, July 2, 2018. A Thai provincial governor says all 12 boys and their coach have been found alive in the cave where they went missing over a week ago in northern Thailand. [Photo: AP]

Family members react after hearing the news that the missing 12 boys and their soccer coach have been found, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand, Monday, July 2, 2018. A Thai provincial governor says all 12 boys and their coach have been found alive in the cave where they went missing over a week ago in northern Thailand. [Photo: AP]

SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew told a news briefing that the rescuer was sending oxygen cylinders inside the cave before he was found unconscious. He was then moved to Chamber 3, a command center set inside the cave and found dead early Friday. 

He died due to lack of oxygen when attempting to return to a command center.

The man is a retired Navy Petty Officer 1st Class who volunteered to join the operation, according to reports.

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