A former Thai navy SEAL has died while trying to deliver supplies to a soccer team and their coach trapped in a cave in Thailand.
Authorities said Friday that the rescuer was attempting to bring additional oxygen canisters to the cave when he passed out and died from a lack of oxygen.
During a news conference Friday, SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew said the rescuer was working as a volunteer for the mission and efforts to revive him failed. "Despite this, we will continue until we accomplish our mission," said Yookongkaew.
The diver was identified by the BBC as 38-year-old Saman Kunan. His death was confirmed around 2 a.m. local time.
A post on the Thai navy SEALS Facebook page mourned Kunan:
"He resigned from the military and had worked as a patrol officer at the Suvarnabhumi Airport since 2006. He was a very capable SEAL and a triathlete who liked adventure sports. Although he resigned from the unit, he still loved and had a good connection with all the SEALs. ... Even the last part of his life, 1st Petty Officer Saman left us and this world while working with the SEAL brothers who are also trying to go forward and complete the mission as planned.
"His determination and good intention will always be in the heart of all SEAL brothers. Today, you get some good rest. We will complete the mission for you."
The death of an experienced Thai navy SEAL highlights the difficulty authorities are having in trying to evacuate the team and their soccer coach from the cave. Attempts have been made to pump water out of the flooded underground cavern, but more rains are forecast for the region and could complicate additional rescue efforts.
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