Bristol: 'Extraordinary' Thailand cave rescue divers receive honorary degrees

[webfact]

Left: John Volanthen (left) and Rick Stanton during July 6 graduation ceremony. Right: John (right) and Rick during the cave rescue operation in Thailand

 

Press release

 

Two cave divers who pulled off the remarkable rescue of 13 people from a flooded cave system in Thailand have been given honorary degrees by the University of Bristol.

 

The operation led by John Volanthen, from Bristol, and Rick Stanton, from Coventry, has been described as one of the greatest rescues of all time.

 

The unlikely heroes were called in by the Thai Government after heavy rain marooned 12 members of a junior football team and their assistant coach in a cave complex in the north of the country.

 

The rescue involved 5,000 people, with John and Rick leading the risky search sorties. The pair had to navigate 2.5km of constricted underwater passageways, in near zero visibility, against a fast flowing, debris-strewn current.

 

Cave diving is often said to be more dangerous than BASE jumping or high altitude climbing. More people have walked on the moon than have been to some of the remote caves that John and Rick have dived in.

 

On July 2, 2018, nine days after the search started, the 12 stranded boys and their coach were found. But with oxygen in their small air pocket dwindling, and more monsoon rains predicted, time was running out.

 

John said: “Having operated in difficult conditions, I was reasonably confident in being able to manage my own safety. For the boys it was extremely dangerous. Trying to get them out was something that hadn’t been done before.”

 

With the help of an anaesthesiologist, each of the boys and their coach was injected with anesthetic ketamine, the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and atropine, which slows heart rate and reduces salivation.

 

‌Rick Stanton (left) and John Volanthen during their graduation ceremony

 

Over several hours the unconscious boys were dragged and squeezed out of the submerged cave by John, Rick and a team of cave divers.

 

Despite having little medical training, they had to inject the boys multiple times with the drug mix to keep them sedated throughout the rescue.

 

Any snag of breathing apparatus could have drowned the unconscious boys and the wrong dose of the drug may have caused them to wake up and panic – or fall asleep forever. Had something gone wrong, John and Rick could have ended up in a Thai court.

 

The well-publicised rescue was one of many John and Rick had undertaken – including some to recover bodies – but “the scale and complexity of this particular problem was head and shoulders above the rest”, according to John.

 

Rick said: “It was unprecedented, nothing really compares. People are citing it as one of the greatest rescues of all time.

 

“It was a protracted two and a half weeks and you had to think outside the box. We were literally writing the procedures, there was no manual – this had never been done before.”

 

At the time of the rescue John was 47 and Rick was 57.

 

John and Rick both received George Medals (a non-military award for gallantry). John is an IT consultant, who remains a scout leader in his hometown of Long Ashton, just outside Bristol. Rick was a firefighter for West Midlands Fire Service for 25 years.

 

Among other achievements, John and Rick set a record in Wookey Hole, Somerset, for the deepest dive recorded in a British cave.

 

‌Rick Stanton (left) speaking to students alongside during today's graduation ceremony

 

Linda Wilson, Vice-President of the University of Bristol’s Spelaeological Society, nominated John and Rick for their honorary degrees.

 

She said: “Rick, John and the other rescue divers were being asked to perform an impossible task.

 

“Fortunately, by a combination of extraordinary courage and meticulous planning, they overcame all the odds and succeeded in one of the most extraordinary rescues that has ever been attempted, ultimately bringing out all 12 boys and their coach alive despite the most hazardous conditions imaginable.

 

“No one could better exemplify the values this University prizes – resilience, courage and outstanding skills - than Rick and John, who were to save the lives of so many others, whist risking their own lives, daily, for the 15 days of this enormous rescue effort that held the world’s attention.”

 

They received their honorary degrees during the University of Bristol’s summer graduations. Those graduating over the 11 days are mostly students who could not do so immediately after their degrees because of the pandemic.

 

Rick said it was an “absolute honour” to receive the award. John added: “It’s an honour and humbling, especially considering others who have received the same and have achieved far greater things than me.”

 

The pair plan to go diving together near Bristol the day after the graduation ceremony.

 

Source: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/july/cave-divers-receive-honorary-degrees.html#:~:text=Two cave divers who pulled,greatest rescues of all time.

 

-- © Copyright  University of Bristol 2022-07-08

 

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[SAFETY FIRST]

19 minutes ago, webfact said:

Two cave divers who pulled off the remarkable rescue of 13 people from a flooded cave system in Thailand have been given honorary degrees by the University of Bristol.

We don't read many good news stories on AN, thanks AN for this wonderful story, nice to wake up to.

It's really nice to know these heroes are getting rewarded for their efforts. 

If I remember correctly the anaesthesiologist was an Aussie ???????? this was a difficult job that went to plan, well done to you sir. 

 

I was sadened by Musk's attitude, it's a shame he was not made to pay for his childish comment. 

 

Great news ????

Edited July 7, 2022 by SAFETY FIRST

[khwaibah]

ELION MUSK is laughing.????

[Padthaigoong]

That's heroic. Did they receive any awards from the Thai government ?

[Classic Ray]

The term hero is much misused and maligned.

 

These two men and the team they worked with, including the Thai diver who gave his life, truly reflect the meaning of the word.

[rohitsuk]

34 minutes ago, Padthaigoong said:

That's heroic. Did they receive any awards from the Thai government ?

Not sure if the government gave any award but this is to be seen in Chiang Rai, which I feel sure the heroes regard as the supreme award.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-44898364

[tandor]

58 minutes ago, Padthaigoong said:

That's heroic. Did they receive any awards from the Thai government ?

,,,a permit to grow 10 plants each.

[SAFETY FIRST]

1 hour ago, khwaibah said:

ELION MUSK is laughing.????

I would be too if I had his money. 

 

It's sad the guy is just a D1ck. 

 

[Clarkey611]

In accordance with the Thai media, only locals were involved in the rescue. 

 

Well done Bristol University for honouring these two brave Gentlemen, and for the recognition of the 4, 998 others involved in this incredible rescue.

[PremiumLane]

11 minutes ago, Clarkey611 said:

In accordance with the Thai media, only locals were involved in the rescue. 

you got evidence for that? 

[Chongalulu]

Humbling that when they were asked about being feted as Heroes they said they really only regarded it as a ‘technical dive' and were somewhat mystified at all the adulation! As an experienced diver I take my hat off to them as I couldn’t deign share a room with them in that league. 
To those that decry those participating in dangerous sports (of which cave diving is at the top of the list) as pointless and even foolhardy I would make the observation that without Rick and John's skills there would be 12 dead schoolboys and their teacher not around to recount such an extraordinary experience. I’m sure all their families are eternally grateful. And not to be forgotten is the the sadness of the one Thai diver who sacrificed his life so those 13 could live .

Edited July 8, 2022 by nchuckle

[Mark mark]

What a Terrific Job done by All actually I think ! … And even the Thai boots on the Ground operations people also !!! …. And well a Tribute to Humanity ! I think.  ... Like what WE can do !!! When we want to !!! ( and are given the opportunity to. )

 

Like These fellows were there first I think, …. And they Found them !!! and Bravo, for that !!!  .... But also the two Australian, Anesthetists Cave divers, that arrived later I think ? …. that actually got the Boys out, and with the dangers and difficult as described here. Dr’s. I think ( Vetenarians ? One of them at least was one ??? but both professors now I think ?) Richard Harris and Craig Challen, Should have been mentioned in this article also.

 

Like they were the ones who actual Medicated the Boys, before their extraction, and were with them while they were Knocked out and being dragged out, ... Under Water. ..like also such a Great Responsibility.

 

I think that there has been quite a good book written about them, and well they admit that they initially thought that there was only 50/50 chance of the operation actually working ? (And they were very VERY Experienced Cave Divers AND Anesthetists !!!)  ... Like they had Indemnity from the Thai government also I think, but  also KNEW !!! That they very well might need it.!!!  ( And suffer other allegations, if the operation was NOT successful. ) …. Like they were very good Cave Divers also as well as very well trained Anesthetists. … But, ALSO very Brave men !!! … ... And also tributes to Humanity.

 

"Wow... two years since cave divers Richard Harris and Craig Challen helped rescue 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. The two men went on to be jointly named 2019 Australians of the Year."

 

(I think that it is OK to put this link here. - If not Just delete it. - It is just a tailor on Face book for the ABC Australian Story show I think ? ... Thanks.)

 

https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=286926669226377&_rdr

 

Edited July 8, 2022 by Mark mark
spelling

[Reigntax]

2 hours ago, Padthaigoong said:

That's heroic. Did they receive any awards from the Thai government ?

No. And they were back charged the cave entry fee at the usual tourist rate????

[kcpattaya]

Well deserved. Super heroes.
Thailand? Thanks for watching.

[thairookie]

3 hours ago, Padthaigoong said:

That's heroic. Did they receive any awards from the Thai government ?

Maybe for these two, 90-day reporting will be extended to 93 days.

[Thai Visa Member 999999]

Had something gone wrong, John and Rick could have ended up in a Thai court.

 

I sure hope they had lawyers who made certain they were legally protected prior because I have no doubt that the above assertion is false, they would have ended up in court. 

[arithai12]

1 hour ago, kcpattaya said:

Well deserved. Super heroes.
Thailand? Thanks for watching.

I agree that the two were heroic, and played a crucial role. But to say that Thailand did nothing but watch, if this is what you meant, is very unfair. They organized everything, and had a lot of other rescuers actively involved including an unfortunate diver who lost his life and who is not mentioned at all in the article.

They are making a Hollywood movie about this, I hope it will be a fair account.

[Daimler]

4 hours ago, Padthaigoong said:

That's heroic. Did they receive any awards from the Thai government ?

No they haven't got work Visas

Lol

[SAFETY FIRST]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Two cave divers who pulled off the remarkable rescue of 13 people from a flooded cave system in Thailand

Give them honorary Thai citizenship 

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Among other achievements, John and Rick set a record in Wookey Hole

[Dragonboat Ronin]

I remember following this rescue effort when it happened and thinking it likely they would not be able to pull it off. But they did it. Very inspiring and heroic story. A great role-model representation not only as how to act in a crisis but as members of the expat community acting with valor in their host country. These aren't the only expats who stepped up when needed also. Not to detract from John and Ricks actions but there were a group of expats who really acted during the pandemic to help those hard hit by the economic impacts, especially Olivier Gachoud of Switzerland and Jean-Pierre Barbier of France. They organized 19 straight months of food aid distribution to the homeless and impoverished (including expats) affected by the economic downturn, providing over 56,000 meals at a cost of over 1 million THB, the majority of it funded personally and solely by Mr. Gachoud. I highly encourage Aseannow to post a story about these folks. Read about their efforts here: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/11/14/an-interview-with-olivier-gachoud-after-roughly-19-months-of-helping-the-needy-during-covid-19-crisis-in-pattaya/ Salutes.

[GroveHillWanderer]

4 hours ago, Mark mark said:

Like These fellows were there first I think, …. And they Found them !!! and Bravo, for that !!!  .... But also the two Australian, Anesthetists Cave divers, that arrived later I think ? …. that actually got the Boys out, and with the dangers and difficult as described here. Dr’s. I think ( Vetenarians ? One of them at least was one ??? but both professors now I think ?) Richard Harris and Craig Challen, Should have been mentioned in this article also.

This is not an article written to describe the details of the cave rescue as such, though. It's an article about how two of the British divers involved, have received honorary degrees from a UK university.

 

Many other people, of multiple nationalities, were involved in the rescue and of course they all deserve credit but once again, that's not the main point of this story - it's about the fact these two specific people were given honorary degrees.

Edited July 8, 2022 by GroveHillWanderer

[Nsp64]

50 minutes ago, Dragonboat Ronin said:

I remember following this rescue effort when it happened and thinking it likely they would not be able to pull it off. But they did it. Very inspiring and heroic story. A great role-model representation not only as how to act in a crisis but as members of the expat community acting with valor in their host country. These aren't the only expats who stepped up when needed also. Not to detract from John and Ricks actions but there were a group of expats who really acted during the pandemic to help those hard hit by the economic impacts, especially Olivier Gachoud of Switzerland and Jean-Pierre Barbier of France. They organized 19 straight months of food aid distribution to the homeless and impoverished (including expats) affected by the economic downturn, providing over 56,000 meals at a cost of over 1 million THB, the majority of it funded personally and solely by Mr. Gachoud. I highly encourage Aseannow to post a story about these folks. Read about their efforts here: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/11/14/an-interview-with-olivier-gachoud-after-roughly-19-months-of-helping-the-needy-during-covid-19-crisis-in-pattaya/ Salutes.

I read a very short article about these guys a while ago and thought just how kind and generous they were.

But will they get any recognition from the thai authorities for their efforts? Probably not. Still have to pay double prices and forced to do 90 dsy reports. Sad that the thai government can't say thank you to a foreigner.

[Mark mark]

41 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

This is not an article written to describe the details of the cave rescue as such, though. It's an article about how two of the British divers involved, have received honorary degrees from a UK university.

 

Many other people, of multiple nationalities, were involved in the rescue and of course they all deserve credit but once again, that's not the main point of this story - it's about the fact these two specific people were given honorary degrees.

Well they could have put their Names in !!! And nit just cslled them "Anethercists" ... particularly as they were probably Arguably the main part of the Recovery part of the Rescue.  ..And probably it's main reason for success. .... Still they were Both Australians if the year a couple of years ago now any way.

[transam]

7 hours ago, khwaibah said:

ELION MUSK is laughing.????

I think only you......????

[sambum]

7 hours ago, khwaibah said:

ELION MUSK is laughing.????

Probably at the way you have spelt his name!

[sambum]

5 hours ago, Mark mark said:

What a Terrific Job done by All actually I think ! … And even the Thai boots on the Ground operations people also !!! …. And well a Tribute to Humanity ! I think.  ... Like what WE can do !!! When we want to !!! ( and are given the opportunity to. )

 

Like These fellows were there first I think, …. And they Found them !!! and Bravo, for that !!!  .... But also the two Australian, Anesthetists Cave divers, that arrived later I think ? …. that actually got the Boys out, and with the dangers and difficult as described here. Dr’s. I think ( Vetenarians ? One of them at least was one ??? but both professors now I think ?) Richard Harris and Craig Challen, Should have been mentioned in this article also.

 

Like they were the ones who actual Medicated the Boys, before their extraction, and were with them while they were Knocked out and being dragged out, ... Under Water. ..like also such a Great Responsibility.

 

I think that there has been quite a good book written about them, and well they admit that they initially thought that there was only 50/50 chance of the operation actually working ? (And they were very VERY Experienced Cave Divers AND Anesthetists !!!)  ... Like they had Indemnity from the Thai government also I think, but  also KNEW !!! That they very well might need it.!!!  ( And suffer other allegations, if the operation was NOT successful. ) …. Like they were very good Cave Divers also as well as very well trained Anesthetists. … But, ALSO very Brave men !!! … ... And also tributes to Humanity.

 

"Wow... two years since cave divers Richard Harris and Craig Challen helped rescue 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand. The two men went on to be jointly named 2019 Australians of the Year."

 

(I think that it is OK to put this link here. - If not Just delete it. - It is just a tailor on Face book for the ABC Australian Story show I think ? ... Thanks.)

 

https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=286926669226377&_rdr

 

I would have given your post a "like", but like you've given yourself enough already!

[sambum]

1 hour ago, Nsp64 said:

I read a very short article about these guys a while ago and thought just how kind and generous they were.

But will they get any recognition from the thai authorities for their efforts? Probably not. Still have to pay double prices and forced to do 90 dsy reports. Sad that the thai government can't say thank you to a foreigner.

Just miffed that they had to ask for outside help!

[Mark mark]

33 minutes ago, sambum said:

I would have given your post a "like", but like you've given yourself enough already!

Yes you are right !!! To much "experianced Cave Divers" and Highly traoned and Experianced Anesithist" ...Right. ... and ok. ... Yes. ...But .... OK ! ... "Richard Harris and Craig Challen"  ... 

Edited July 8, 2022 by Mark mark
Removi g repartition ...(to some degree any way) ...

[Mark mark]

31 minutes ago, sambum said:

Just miffed that they had to ask for outside help!

Like ... Richard Harris and Craig Challen ?

 

... Who were the ones who actualy rescued them. In the end.

Edited July 8, 2022 by Mark mark
Capital addrd