Posted on 07/05/2018 8:12:29 PM PDT by Simon Green
A former Thai navy diver who joined in search efforts to rescue 12 boys and their coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand has died.
Saman Kunan, 38, lost consciousness on his way out of the Tham Luang cave complex after delivering supplies to the missing group, officials said.
He could not be revived by his colleagues.
The diver had previously left the navy but had returned to help rescue operations.
"A former SEAL who volunteered to help died last night around 2am," Chiang Rai Deputy Governor Passakorn Boonyaluck told reporters at the rescue site.
"His job was to deliver oxygen. He did not have enough on his way back."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Fully agree.
I wish they could just drill down, to get them.
We were just talking about Baby Jessica, earlier today.
I know this operation would be different....trying to find exact location to drill. But...just wish they could drill and get to them, ASAP.
Had to happen sooner or later. Just a very high risk operation. I knew a guy who tried cave diving in Florida. Just nucking futs in my book.
Drilling down that 2600 feet would be difficult but not impossible. Of course I don’t know how you would determine where the cave is. I’m not sure if you could bang on the roof of the cave and sense it with seismic gear at 2600 feet or not - but maybe. And drill at the next room over. Of course if there is a risk of a major collapse that blocks the only known entrance....
I’m guessing that there is some ventilation into the cave so they have air. (Hmm - why was the diver bringing in air tanks? To supplement the cave air - prepare for the kids swimming out....?)
If they have air I think they could get pretty well set-up down there for the duration. But if not....
That is so sad. Theyve had so many people in and out of there safely too.
Good idea. CoE knows about water. This is very dangerous work for professional divers let alone young kids. Having those kids swim out of there should be a last resort.
I've seen cave diving described as "the most dangerous recreational activity on Earth".
There is no way you could get me 3.5 miles inside a cave!
The divers ferrying lights, batteries, food, assorted other supplies need air tanks for points along the way and for the return trip, apparently one tank doesn’t do it.
There was also one spot along the way where the tanks have to come off in order to squeeze through the passage... and then a tank has to be put on, on the other side.
No, not the Corps, but yes, a drill crew from an oil gang.The Corps would have to do the same. The USACE is a bureaucratic management organization with no work capabilities you know that right? An a combat engineering officer I had not do a short tour with that bunch. IRQ was so much more pleasant an environment.
Respect to the dead diver. Too bad.
I don’t know, much about diving, but if the path is too narrow for the diver with oxygen tanks strapped on to get through, maybe they’re setting up stashes of oxygen tanks along the route, so that divers can stop and get air.
Yes. My thoughts were if it were easy the kids would be out.
Excellent idea.
I kinda agree...the Corp of Engineers could bring in two or three of those special high-capacity pumps and empty the cave of water in a matter of a few hours.
Samarn Kunan
That’s horrible. What a shame! RIP, brave one.
May he Rest In Peace
The group went deeper into the cave to escape rising water.
Oh how sad. I am so sorry!
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