Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Thai Diver Dies After Entering Cave

by Reuters

   BANGKOK --

   A Thai rescuer has died after falling unconscious during part of an
   operation to rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped inside a
   cave complex in northern Thailand.

   Samarn Poonan, a former member of Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit who
   was part of the rescue team in Chiang Rai, died Thursday night after
   entering the cave to lay oxygen tanks along a potential exit route, the
   SEAL commander said.

   SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew told a news conference Friday
   morning that the rescuer was working in a volunteer capacity and died
   during an overnight mission in which he was placing oxygen canisters.
   He said while underwater, the rescuer passed out and efforts to
   resuscitate him failed.
   "Despite this, we will continue until we accomplish our mission,"
   Arpakorn said.
   Thai authorities are racing to pump out water from a flooded cave where
   12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23, before
   more rains are forecast to hit the northern region.

   The Associated Press contributed to this report.