The world held its breath as Thai navy divers, aided by international diving specialists, went in to rescue the Wild Boars soccer team from the depths of the flooded Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand last week. Not every rescue has a happy ending but we rejoiced when the 12 boys and their coach were freed safely after being stuck two miles inside the cave for two weeks.
We’re proud to share that one of Auckland On Water Boat Show exhibitor, Dream Yacht Charter’s team members played a key role in the rescue. Max, a yacht engineer at Dream Yacht Charter’s base in Phuket, has just received recognition for his role from the general of immigration in Bangkok. It came after the King of Thailand ordered those involved within the international team must receive the country’s gratitude.
Max was in the French Foreign Legion for eight years and his specialty is speleology (exploring and studying caves), underwater work at great depths and safeguarding human life in hostile environments.
With more than 3,000 hours of diving expertise, Max helped the preparations for the children’s evacuation. He was invited to become part of the rescue team because few people in Thailand have such specific experience.
“This was a dangerous mission and we can only imagine how difficult the conditions were in the caves for the rescue team and the children,” said Loïc Bonnet, founder of Dream Yacht Charter.
“We’re proud of Max and pleased he is safe and the soccer team is recovering well. Our thoughts are with the boys and the family of the former Thai Navy SEAL, Saman Gunan, who lost his life during the rescue mission.”
Dream Yacht Charter’s Max stands with other rescuers; at the far right of this picture.