Petty Officer Beiret Bureerak’s death was disclosed in a Facebook post by the Royal Thai Navy on Dec 27.
He was on the rescue mission of 12 boys and their soccer coach who were trapped while exploring the Tham Luang caves in Chiang Rai on June 23, 2018.
A downpour flooded the cave network and forced the group to survive on water dripping from the walls for 9 days before they were discovered by one of the divers taking part in the rescue mission.
The rescuers eventually pulled off a high-risk mission in 3 days and the entire ordeal ended on Jul 10, 2018. All the 12 boys and their soccer coach were rescued.
Sadly, former navy diver Lieutenant Commander Saman Kunan, died during the mission.
While, the petty officer had come under doctor’s supervision and treatment after the 18-day operation was concluded successfully in July 2018.
However, his condition worsened and he died from a blood infection after about 17 months of battling the illness.
In their statement, the navy paid tribute to Beiret, hailing his heroic contribution to the rescue, while also sending their “deepest condolences” to his family.
Our deepest condolences to Beiret’s family! You are always our hero!
Source : CNA