Two Australian divers who helped rescue 13 people from Thailand's flood-stricken cave will receive an award for civilians, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said. He ensures the unnamed award will be awarded to surgeons Richard Harris and vet Craig Challen.
It represents "all the values of Australia we live in", says Turnbull. Dr Harris was one of the last survivors out of the cave after participating in a three-day rescue operation to release his football and coach teams last week.
Himself and Dr. Challen, both experienced divers, helped evacuate the boy from the cave. "This is one of the great acts of heroism, professionalism, discipline and cooperation," Turnbull told local radio 3AW. He also praised all the parties involved.
The Thai government praises Dr Harris for his contributions as a very important doctor in surgery. On Monday, they also confirmed Dr Harris, Dr Challen and another Australian citizen who is also of medical background have been granted diplomatic immunity if surgery fails.
"We are aware of the risks of this mission ... so that an agreement between the Thai government and Australia is reached," Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai told Reuters news agency.
Last week, Dr. Harris told reporters: "(There are) very frightening moments, I have to say, and then very good results and finally excitement." But the moment became "bitterly sweet" because his father died shortly after the rescue was completed.
Nearly 45,000 people signing on the internet are urging the most prestigious award of courage in Australia, the Cross of Valour. Both Australians and other divers, including the former Thai Navy Seal who died during the operation, were praised by world citizens.
The Wild Boar football team is in the cave for nine days with limited light and food. British divers found them on July 2nd. The health condition of boys aged 11-16 years and their coach is getting better at the hospital. They are scheduled to come out on Thursday
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