The heroic divers involved in the successful rescue of 12 Thai soccer players and their coach from an underwater cave have been awarded Australia’s highest honour.
Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Robert Harris and his dive partner Dr Craig Challen received the rare double honour of the Medal of the Order of Australia and the Star of Courage for their roles in the daring rescue.
They were among an international team of experts who freed the trapped boys and their 25-year-old coach from the cave complex in Tham Luang earlier this month.
Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Robert Harris and his dive partner Dr Craig Challen received the rare double honour of the Medal of the Order of Australia and the Star of Courage for their roles in the daring rescue
They were among an international team of experts who freed the trapped boys and their 25-year-old coach from the cave complex in Tham Luang earlier this month
Seven divers from the Australian Federal Police – Troy Eather, Robert James, Kelly Boers, Benjamin Cox, Matthew Fitzgerald, Justin Bateman and Chris Markcrow – were given a bravery medal.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove presented the medals to those involved in the mission, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in attendance at Tuesday’s ceremony at Government House in Canberra.
Sir Peter said the divers showed ‘Australian values and human qualities we cherish’ during their efforts, The Australian reported.
‘Our fellow Australians, along with Thai citizens and the men and women of other nations conducted a thrilling rescue of helpless young men, themselves strong and brave, and in doing so captivated the world,’ Sir Peter said.
‘We think that you were remarkable – skilful, tireless, compassionate and courageous. Your nation is so proud of you. Today, Australia salutes you.’
Secretary to the Governor-General, Mark Fraser, said the rescue required ‘character, grit and determination’.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove (front row, third from left) presented the medals to those involved in the mission, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (front tow, second from right) and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (front row, far left) in attendance at Tuesday’s ceremony at Government House in Canberra
‘They brought the faces of 13 young men back into the sunshine and into the arms of their loved ones,’ he said.
Speaking to those gathered at the ceremony, Mr Turnbull said the rescuers were ‘our heroes’, the ABC reported.
‘During the World Cup the most inspiring story about football was not in Russia, it was in Thailand. And the most inspiring teams were not Les Bleus but the Wild Boars, and you,’ Mr Turnbull said.
‘Your first dives were done without a proper guide rope. There was no defined path through those dark waters. You had to feel your way through the twists and turns of the cave system, with the very real threat all the time of being tangled and trapped.
‘It’s impossible to overstate how dangerous was your task.’
Dr Harris emphasised how crucial teamwork was in the rescue.
It is the first time the rescuers have been reunited since returning to Australia on July 13
‘We just went cave diving for a few days and were able to get the kids out … these awards have been completely unexpected and we’re just trying to emphasise how big a part so many people played in this,’ he said.
It is the first time the rescuers have been reunited since returning to Australia on July 13.
Sydney-based Chief Petty Officer Eather was a key figure in Operation Thailand Assist, having been involved in a number of significant mission since joining the Navy in 1991.
Thailand’s ambassador to Australia and Australia’s ambassador to Thailand, along with the acting chief of the Defence Force and acting Australian Federal Police commissioner were also in attendance.
Thailand’s ambassador to Australia and Australia’s ambassador to Thailand, along with the acting chief of the Defence Force and acting Australian Federal Police commissioner were also in attendance