The British cave divers who were involved in rescuing a boys’ soccer team in Thailand last summer have been honored by Queen Elizabeth II for their efforts.
John Volanthen and Rick Stanton were awarded the George Medal for civilian gallantry.
Three other divers — Joshua Bratchley, Connor Roe and Vernon Unsworth — were appointed as Members of the British Empire (MBE), and the Queen’s Gallantry Medal went to Jason Mallinson and Christopher Jewell.
PADI also honored Stanton, Volanthen, Mallinson and Jewell along with Dr. Richard Harris with the organization’s first-ever Medal of Valor Award at last year’s DEMA Show (see above photo).
More than 9,000 volunteers from around the world were involved in the rescue of the kids and their coach. Canadian national Erik Brown was one of the many cave divers that took part in the successful rescue. Check out his story here.
