Thai boys soccer team hero, Dr, Richard Harris.

Australian Doctor Hailed as Hero When He Helped Save Thailand Soccer Team Boys

It has been a big news across the world when young soccer team boys together with their coach got stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand. Everyone was terrified and worried about their safety. 

For a while, things didn’t look too good, but eventually, rescuers from around the world came together and made it happen. All the boys were rescued safely and are recovering with their families.

12 Soccer boys team trapped in flooded cave in Thailand.

None of that would have been possible without all the amazingly brave people who helped rescue them.

And one of them was Dr. Richard Harris, who was at that time on vacation in Thailand with his family when the boys went missing. He was asked to help with the rescue because he is an experienced cave diver and a medical doctor. He gladly agreed to help.

During the rescue operation.

When they located where the boys are inside in the depth of the cave, Dr. Richard, who goes by the name Harry, joined the boys in the flooded cave and checked each boys health condition.

3D map diagram of the team’s location on cave.

He stayed with them for three days and did everything he could to keep them alive and strong enough to survive the rescue. 

While Harry is being celebrated as a hero, he received a bad news from his family. Just a few hours after the boys were rescued and Harry himself made it out of the cave alive, he found out that his father had passed away.

Retired Perth vet and cave diving expert Dr Craig Challen (right) with his Adelaide diving partner Dr Richard Harris.

Those who helped Harry rescue the boys were shocked by the sad news and felt awful for the doctor.

Thai rescue team with Dr. Harris and Dr. Craig

The Thai Navy Seals also offered their condolences. They said: “Our condolences to Dr. Richard Harris, one of the leading rescuers, whose father just passed away hours after his rescue mission had been completed. We wish you the best for this very tough time. We never thank you enough for what you’ve done for the kids, their families, and Thailand. Thank you, Richard, and thank you, Australia!”

Dr. Richard Harris, left, and Dr. Craig Challen awarded for their heroism.

Despite the sad news for Dr. Richard Harris' father's loss, he's been celebrated by the world for his bravery and expertise that he saved these 12 young boys lives. Kudos to this hero doctor and his team!

“Let’s choose to do something really difficult, something that saves lives, and let's do that thing with people we love.”

- Donald Miller