On June 23, 2018, a dozen boys aged 11-16 and their 25-year-old coach got trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand due to heavy rains causing flooding.
Over the next fortnight, an international team of rescuers toiled tirelessly to liberate the group.
On July 8, 2018, it was revealed that a former Thai Navy SEAL had perished while endeavoring to deliver oxygen tanks to the group, serving as a tragic illustration of the hazards associated with the rescue operation.
Ultimately, on July 10, 2018, the last of the group was safely extricated. Despite enduring an arduous experience, they all survived and were reunited with their families.
The Tham Luang cave rescue was an unparalleled undertaking, presenting numerous challenges for the rescuers.
The initial hurdle was locating the boys, who were concealed in a small chamber deep in the cave complex. Subsequently, the next obstacle was facilitating their escape.
The cave was inundated, rendering it impossible to pump out the water. Even if it could be drained, the boys would still need to navigate through narrow, perilous passages.
Consequently, the decision was made to instruct the boys on diving. This was a formidable task, as most of them were non-swimmers.
In addition, they had to grapple with formidable currents and poor visibility. After extensive training spanning over weeks, the boys were eventually able to emerge unscathed. The rescue captivated global attention and underscored the potency of unity and human fortitude.
However, regrettably, Saman Gunan and Beirut Pakbara, two indigenous Thai divers (Navy SEAL members), succumbed to various factors associated with the rigorous operation.
What Befell Beirut Pakbara?
Petty Officer First Class Beirut Pakbara succumbed in late December 2019 to an uncommon infection he had contracted over 17 months earlier while assisting in saving the 12 children and their dedicated coach.
Despite receiving treatment during this period, the infection ultimately infiltrated his bloodstream, leading to an irreversible deterioration of his condition. His mother attested that despite his recurrent hospitalizations, it was to no avail.
“Mourning Sergeant Major Beirut Pakbara, the hero of the Tham Luang cave who passed away,”
The following is the statement from the SEALs’ acknowledging Beirut’s demise on December 27, 2019.
“The Royal Thai Navy extends its deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Beirut.” They also announced that he will be bestowed with a royal award and posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Moreover, the Royal Thai Navy pledged to allocate around 465,000 baht (approximately $15,500 at the time) to Beirut’s estate as an inheritance bonus, additional compensation, and gratuity.
After traditional Islamic funeral rites, the official was interred by his family at the Talosai mosque in his hometown of Satun’s Langu district on Friday, the same day as the announcement.
On July 6, 2018, Saman “Sam” Guman, a 37-year-old former Navy SEAL officer who was still a volunteer, passed away while carrying out the rescue mission.
He reportedly ran out of air underwater while exiting the cave complex after delivering oxygen tanks to the Wild Boar soccer team. A statue honoring him has since been erected near the entrance to Tham Luang.
