Meet The Elite Diving Duo At The Heart Of The Thailand Soccer Team Rescue | TODAY

John Volanthen and Richard Stanton are the British rescue divers who found the trapped Thailand soccer team. “They are pioneers,” said Martyn Farr, a diving instructor and expert. NBC’s Keir Simmons reports on the divers’ background and experience for TODAY.
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Meet The Elite Diving Duo At The Heart Of The Thailand Soccer Team Rescue | TODAY

[@sallyandersen8729]

Those two British Divers are truly World Class. Incredible. I must say everyone played an important part to this successful rescue. Great job.

[@auushowkaze]

Thailand would never forget the name of these two.. We're in your debt, in fact we're in lots of debt to all the people from all over the world that was volunteering to assist on this very difficult rescue mission.. You all are heroes

[@roninr8199]

Patiphat Wongtouwan in a time of life and death there is nothing called has debt. Britishers might be awarded by Thai government but I am sure no body would ask for favor in return.

[@paulmoore4223]

Patiphat Wongtouwan much love from the UK, we're all watching and hoping

[@robayre482]

All of us here in the UK are watching and hoping for the best!

[@chuckp342]

Add Jason Mallinson and Chris Jewell to the list. These 2 guys are two of the best sump divers in the world. I'm not as familiar with Stanton and Volanthen, but if Martyn Farr is preaching about them, they're world-class. As far as the diving aspect of the rescue goes, they really do have an "A Team" on site. I really do hope that it's enough. My heart is with the trapped cavers.

[@gladysrodriguez5498]

Patiphat Wongtouwan BUT YOU ARE WORK VERY HARD AND KNEW ALL DETAILS TO RESCUE. YOU ARE HERO TOO. I AM IN USA AND I SAW ALL YOUR ACTIVITY. YOU ARE HERO'S TOO. GO'S BLESS THE CHILDREN AND THE TAILANDIA PEOPLE.

[@kadree83990704]

This is miracle happening. Thanks to the two British man who found them. You guys are a true super hero. You guys are gods blessing and angels sent to save lives. You loves doing what you guys are doing. You’ve made it history. And thanks to Thai Government the police, the community and everyone who’s have come all around the world to help save these 13 lives. Thank you very much. Something like this tells the world that we all have love.

[@orouba14]

my hat off to both of these gentlemen. respect.

[@terriesmith8219]

This is the type of heroes that society should look up to. NOT useless celebrities.

[@Robson-in3yg]

Terrie Smith So true.

[@danielepica1462]

amen

[@brett19890]

What celebrities?

[@raoulbsantiago80]

...and definitely NOT worthless trolls. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@neelubhaiyt7902]

Terrie Smith true.

[@JidtapadTK]

Thanks a lot 🙏🏼 from Thailand Robert Harper, Richard Stanton & John Volanthen BCRC , all rescuers and those people are involved in this operation. Also back-up team to get it going.

[@MegaPianogenius]

pietkrijger no the divers will do something useful not that berk trying to advertise himself more

[@overthemoon9941]

JidtapadTK it’s simply nothing short of a miracle..amazingly brave team!!👌

[@colinstewart3699]

JidtapadTK a real miracle 👍💕💫😎🤚✌️💥🙏😄😍👋✨💜😁

[@colinstewart3699]

JidtapadTK God’s speed !

[@gatarahemeradil18]

JidtapadTK news

[@osirisblue2087]

Well I come from a state called Meghalaya in India. Our state is home to one of the largest cave network in Asia with 1580 caves identified so far. Now around 70% of these caves were identified and explored by British speleologist teams, on behalf of the state government, because when it comes to caves they are truly the experts. All my childhood I have seen them come and camp near the caves with all their high tech gears. So I can without doubt say that the kids in Thailand are in safe hands and all of them will surely be rescued safely. My best wishes and prayers to the rescue team and the kids.

[@tanmengkon2595]

Osiris Blue 👍👏🙏

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Thanks from uk an interesting observation. These uk cave divers are a well trained and self taught bunch , we are very proud of these guys

[@osirisblue2087]

TheRst2001 You're welcome. I just stated the facts that I have seen on my own. You really should be proud of your countrymen. And after the successful completion of the mission we are proud too. The "self taught" element really makes their accomplishment more commendable.

[@stu2333]

What a nice comment, sending love from England

[@todayisapresent8613]

It feels great to read this positive hope now, after successful completion of this mission 🙏🏻

[@lheeziebeth]

The mindset of the coach that influenced the children really really played a great part. The meditation and prayer really worked 🙏🏼 And these two men are just exemplary together with the other divers and the navy SEALS. They volunteered and put their lives at risk for these children and their coach, they deserved to be remembered and honored. Just came from watching "Thirteen Lives" hehe

[@sheilah8494]

Thanks to Our World Heroes from bottom of Thai people hearts for getting there immediately and found them.🙏🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏😍😍😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@andrecooks6191]

The strength of the Coach and children!!! People are blaming the Coach, but it's not the mistake of going into the caves that should be focused on....yes that mistake was made, but he did everything he could to give them a chance to survive once they were trapped...and I believe he is the reason they survived 10 days in darkness, not knowing if someone was even looking for them or would ever find them.

[@Nautilus1972]

From an Irishman living here in Thailand, well done lads. Selfless, Brave, Charitable in spirit ... and successful. Balls of steel and hearts of gold. I hope HM rewards them well on behalf of the families and Thailand.

[@sathishfiles]

world class divers respect you

[@overthemoon9941]

Sathish Kumar 💖💖

[@lulululu175]

To say that these people are heros is an understatement. There is no word enough to truly describe these amazing people. I cry thinking about it.

[@Soyabuti]

John and Richard yours are my and the world hero's. Good bless you mates for you courage. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@krollpeter]

These are the true heroes of our times, Mr. Harper, Mr. Stanton and Mr. Volanthen. But I also would like to thank everybody involved in the operation in the background. And the Thai people who set a shining example of cooperation and dignity. That is how the world should work together. Bravo Thailand! It's not done yet - GOOD LUCK!

[@annahimalaya]

I thought I could just watch this kind of case in a movie. It's real. God bless you all rescuers.

[@spmcd2011]

Well one diver has died... So I guess he doesn't care.

[@jowilliams9808]

Wow. May not have even been found but for experience of divers navigating areas which didn't even allow for an oxygen tank...very happy to help rescue the wonderful people of Thailand. RIP to the diver who lost his life saving others...

[@overthemoon9941]

jo williams ..these brilliantly talented guys thought out every single detail..amazing!

[@ksps1189]

my salute to the rescue team especially to the first 2 divers which found the kids and the seal member who gave out his live during the rescue.

[@Spacemonkeymojo]

I would absolutely love to see an interview with these two legends.

[@tinock7478]

My deepest respects for the rescuers who risk their life to save these Boys. These are the unsung heroes . May God bless you.

[@user-oi9xf8ti4r]

Thank you very much from Thailand.

[@kimberlyanne434]

ดุสิตอัปสร สอนกลาง The world is praying and watching your kids and country. The best of the best are now getting the kids out. These kids hearts are in the hands in prayer around the globe.🙏🏻🇺🇸 God is patient, God is kind, God is great.

[@colinstewart3699]

What hero’s from around the globe ,brave, bold, courageous!!! Selfless answered the call of compassion and mercy ! God bless you all !

[@bupe007]

world class divers John Vonlanthen and Rick Stanton! thank you for helping in Thailand!

[@newland4506]

"how many you're here"? "13", "13,great", It should be the most beautiful conversation in the world.

[@sky4thai]

I as Thai people woukd like to say thank you very very much. They are world class professional divers.

[@jeredchongloi2091]

You guys(rescue divers) are the Hero that the whole World are proud of. And to not forget those kids are brave to sustain such no of days.Thank you Divers for your sacrifice.

[@rujrujrujlaewruay39.]

Thanks a lot from 🇹🇭 Thai people ♥.

[@arthurtwoshedsjackson4336]

God Bless Thailand and these British guys with special abilities and heroism .

[@-n4h1d22]

This is best thing I’ve seen in a while the whole world to help these boys this is how we should help the world by helping each other not fighting, the boys are saying who is winning the World Cup but in my mind the kids are winning the World Cup. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 lord help them.

[@florayeboah7726]

The world will never forget you, all the rescuers..Thailand will never forget you.

[@kangkipago1223]

These two British men and volunteers are the real heroes in real life situation.

[@roberthawkins5785]

I'm pretty sure the coach is a Hero as well kept them kids alive long enough to be saved. The parents should be so grateful.😇

[@janefromthecountry1820]

British heroes-The A Team-God bless and keep they safe and strong!

[@ltcolumbo9708]

So proud of this Brits!! Really emotional and inspiring Love India

[@Paul4Krista20]

Always refreshing to hear news story of heroism and rescue rather than violence and death!

[@jetspeed0901]

Thank God! All the guys have come out safely. Hats off to the boys and the coach. Massive respect to the divers and the rescue team. Much love from INDIA!! PEACE!!

[@Sketchmee5]

Thanks all the heroes from U.K.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@dorcusmunduru4471]

God guide and protect everyone involved in this difficult situation. From Australia.

[@PS-sf5gn]

thank Hero from England, you did the best Job,You have many blessing

[@Its.just.mee3]

Bless them. They have so much skill and used it to good use to save lives!

[@mikesmith8278]

Well done 6 young lads already out, they seem to be on top of it and God willing.

[@thisbabyboomer]

Prayers for these boys, all the rescuers as well as the whole world watches...God speed ♡

[@ratedELY]

These divers are like the astronauts of the endless sea but at least you can feel their usefulness.

[@kakitiub9361]

Thanks a lottttt to these divers!!! Greeting from Malaysia.

[@TonyandDar]

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart the three men from the UK and the Thai navy seals and all the local volunteers 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@ValentinaDaBeautiful]

These are the real heroes! Let's make a gofundme page for each one of the divers and award them for such heroism and unselfishness! They deserve a lot of money for this!

[@crafter170]

Nothing better than decent upstanding volunteers.

[@solarnaut]

Bravo Gentlemen... keeping the GREAT in Britain !

[@exytamahagane3629]

Those rescuers were so amazing!!!!! Many thanks for their expertise and courage!!!

[@b3tres]

Major gratitude and respect for this two... and all those involved in the rescue! May all of them come home safe and sound, soon! And may they be healthy mentally and physically moving forward from this crisis!.

[@spencerkombega7642]

Thanks to the British divers. God bless.

[@rmetal2792]

imagine 4 hours to get there , then 4 hours to get back... i cant even sit straight for 30 hour....

[@zulfikranzulmos4066]

R Metal 6hrs in, 5hrs out..

[@rmetal2792]

i guess it depends upon is current is strong and if murky. i heard 4 hrs or 5 hrs in different news

[@newburger]

It's 7 hours to get in, 4 hours underwater & 3 hours walking and climbing.

[@overthemoon9941]

R Metal ...30!hours?? How about 30 minutes for me. These guys r so brave and talented, god bless them!

[@Solarful]

Kricket Girl play Fortnite you’ll be on the chair for 9 weeks. No lie, especially when playground or blitz is out....

[@wipawadee1980]

Million thanks for your help from Thailand.

[@patriciabilinkas3911]

I hope these guys are recognized by the Queen!

[@rascalhusky8129]

Patricia Bilinkas I also , they deserve it . The UK should be very proud of these two.

[@samp1171]

Lots of respect to those rescue people, for ultimate dedicated service to humanity. Those divers include the navy seal who died are the bravest of the brave.love from india.

[@jjna919]

You guys are truly heroes. I'm praying for all of them get home safely.

[@tonyronald9921]

Everyone from the brave British and other nationalities to the support from the Thai divers and government is to be applauded as regardless of where from, all worked to save these brave kids who have also shown suprising mental and physical strength. It shows that deep down we all share the same values and politics mean little against a situation like this.

[@meganroconnell1]

This is my life goal. Be really good at something and help people in the most epic way

[@alexandreviol]

God bless those two heroes.

[@pramodacharya348]

Al though a team work together. I will remember my whole life the boys said 10 days and the diver asking and assured them their safety. You are a real hero Sir.

[@aprile271]

Bless all those people giving their most to save those boys

[@mikebtrfld1705]

Many years ago three young men got in my taxi in Reno, Nevada. They said they were British Royal Marines, and they had been up in the High Sierras at the United States Marine Mountain Warfare Center. I asked them what they were doing up there, "training with our American brothers" they said.

[@eck-wo5xb]

Fyi. Korean italian and french military also train with america. I know for a fact and america trains with all of them too. Lol . It happens.

[@someothergrl16]

e. ck Who could have guessed? Not everyone, I suppose. ;)

[@rascalhusky8129]

Grenherb your forgetting the middle East started this mess , not the westerners.

[@shuiwsc]

Awesome teamwork & thank God this incident has drawn people all over the world together. Words is not enough to express what a great victory in helping the helpless

[@lisakaniukbarker4425]

An absolute miracle! I have such respect for these two gentleman and the entire crew! You are heroes.... thank you so very much for your complete selflessness!

[@cw1244]

I love knowing people from our two countries come together to help each other.

[@tay1545]

my god i cant even imagine being those children in that situation.... if I was in a situation like that when I was a kid I would be having the most existential meltdown possible I am sure they are contemplating such thoughts... Just think about it, you go into a cave that is known around your village with your coach, then you get trapped in flooded and 10 days later in pitch black a random man appears out of the water saying more people will come, then more people come and teaching you how to scuba dive to leave the cave.... just surreal what I am typing, it sounds as if it is a strange indie VR game but it's real, when these boys make it out they will be so much more mentally resilient than the average person.

[@overthemoon9941]

FAFW REEE ..yep well spoken. I’m so claustrophobic I have trouble going on small planes..😳😳I would’ve been so freaked...

[@ponli7532]

unfortunately these things can cause phobias, night terrors, PTSD. Negative psychological consequences from traumatic experiences in adolescence are especially common.

[@tay1545]

thailand is a largely buddhist community, what they did was comparable to buddha meditating for weeks straight with no food and no water, except they had some water, they are aware of buddhism in thai culture so there isn't as much negative connotation as to what they experienced compared to if an american kid was in their shoes. I am sure all those kids will back on this experience as a positive one than negative despite it being scary.

[@jumsaesiaw6890]

FAFW REEE. I’m still reading an old comments from an old videos and found yours. The story of a cave boys in Thailand will never get old to the world 🌍 as a Thai, I’m thankful to all positive comments and as you have mentioned, we’re unlikely to have a PTSD ...I think it suits the westerners than us...different cultures and different practices. Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and greetings from Hong Kong 🇭🇰

[@danielepica1462]

"there goes my hero..watch him as he goes.."

[@sameerkulkarni1448]

At 25 I feel tired watching them only.. amazing energy

[@kunchitkumya3600]

Great mission ! Here is the best world team,thank you so much .

[@pollentree]

It’s in moments like this where the best of humanity shines through. God Bless them!!!

[@janinaleedelrio]

True heroes indeed 🙏🏾🇨🇦🇵🇦

[@avonazil]

With all respect to both of them, aside from being a hero they are soooo humble. Indeed best cave divers in the world

[@siahpeter9347]

Thank you ..Thank you....praying for all of you🙏🙏🙏

[@davewilson4058]

You are all Hero's in my eyes. You have done and still are risking your lives to help rescue these young boy's. That deserves the highest accolades a grateful Country can bestow upon all of you. As they say of Astronauts, you definitely have the Right Stuff and step up when you are most needed. All power to you. I am full of admiration for your courage. WELL DONE.

[@egisyahban1274]

Thank you very much for helping our brothers in Thailand, GBU all the divers, the heroes and the great thai boys! big thanks and love from Indonesian.

[@itsmeobvious6028]

They should be given medal of honors for saving lives !!!

[@JC-jb9ug]

These dudes are absolute legends. Real heros and role models.

[@poconosgiant3255]

Great job Brits divers.

[@nageswary6412]

I'm a Malaysian, and I'm so happy to see all the 12 boys are out. Really thankful to the divers, god send divers. God bless them. I am so grateful to the other divers and rescue workers and the society for their tireless efforts in bringing them out.Thank you guys, you're wonderful

[@nageswary6412]

I also wish to send my condolences to the family of Kunan who have given his life for the trapped children and their coach. Kunan is really a hero.

[@sivodesilva9866]

It gives me a claustropfobic feeling..RESPECT FOR THE DIVERS..

[@IMHO81]

You are the world's heroes. Thank you for reaching the boys. We are all praying that the rescue efforts will be successful.

[@bawshuneylawvebam1083]

Human kindness is so powerful. God bless them and their obstacles ❤️

[@cinthia9602]

Bless these men. They are Angel sent.

[@-Muhammad_Ali-]

Finally there are REAL heroes with happy results. I will buy their books and read them to my kids.

[@DownLikeSyndrome83]

God bless these young men and every responder. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[@martinbrennan1161]

Total and utter respect for these guys, now this makes you proud to be British football is ok but this is an amazing show of courage and bravery. Proper blokes well done to all the team.

[@ichasnowflakes5570]

God bless all this people who give a hand to help. I'm proud and touching I'm Indonesia I thank you all once again

[@bluemermaid2190]

❤ Amazing job Thai SEALs and international heroes working on this rescue! ✯✯✯✯

[@MegaPianogenius]

Blue Mermaid oh omit to mention the British and just say 'international "? Very misleading. You have an agenda fool

[@bluemermaid2190]

Don't get your crumpets in a wad sam. Thai SEAL Suman Kunan, John Volanthen and Richard Stanton and rest of international team all heroes! ✯✯✯✯ "At 10 a.m. local time, an international contingent of 13 specialist divers and five Thai Navy SEALs descended into the watery network of underground tunnels below the Mae Sai mountains, carrying with them the hopes of an entire nation."

[@MegaPianogenius]

Blue Mermaid the thai died rip the British were instrumental in their survival. I know it chokes you to praise the British I guess an American ?

[@bluemermaid2190]

G'day sam, nope. Don't fence me in. I'm an international mermaid, an alien being. But it's not about you or me. This rescue effort has shown that people can come together from around the world for the common good. Here's the latest news. Let's give thanks to ALL involved in this great humanitarian effort (including your brave Brits ;). "Rescuers freed the last four of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach from deep inside a flooded cave on Tuesday"! So happy for the boys and their families! As one of the boys wrote: "“Don’t worry, we’re all strong.” ❤

[@maninthecab]

@@bluemermaid2190 I wouldn't bother too much with Sam , he/she sounds truly bitter and trying to stir up confrontation in a situation where people from lots of countries all made huge contributions in an amazing operation .

[@moo9931]

ขอบคุณที่สุดค่ะ_Thai people's to talk to everybody help 13boy . We are ..remember in heart and told you are the hero of my and people of Thailand ...thank so much every nation.

[@yootofu6090]

thanks you guys so much from the bottom of my heart you guys are the model of Heroes that we all always looking for. Dont have you we can't smiling like this you 2 just filled up my happiness we have to thanks for millon time that 's not enought to reward. I will never forget your kindness .Best regard from somanyThaipeople 🙏❤&me

[@janetllaverias5511]

True heroes! God bless them!

[@Dave-rm1mb]

Goes to show you how good the SBS must be. These guys weren't even ex British Special forces. Just civilians.

[@luhvpotatoxo]

Real life super heros.

[@sbam4881]

The voice of the lead diver who found the boys sounds exactly like Clive Owen.

[@user-lu9hq6jv4v]

Thank you; Oeace, to you and your loved Ones always!

[@dennypeter249]

ITS A MIRACLE OF 21st century ...Efforts of John & Richard Teams Saving the Life of 13 People's

[@kannynaya3990]

Thank you very much..from Thailand people🙏🙏

[@bipolarpaparazzi4204]

This is true humanity. All nations coming together to save lives.

[@watcharathonphathon8471]

Thanks a lot.🙏🙏 for your kindness. Robert harper, Richard stanton, & John volanthen, all resucers and all people who help wild boars term.

[@yolox9287]

today ...the whole world feel the same emotions, hopes and prayers and all the thoughts for "wild boars" and Thanks for the rescue teams. home soon Boys and stay strong.