Hero Dr Richard Harris thanks world for support after Thai cave rescue
ADELAIDE anaesthetist Dr Richard “Harry” Harris says his return home from helping successfully rescue a Thai soccer team from a flooded cave is a “bittersweet moment”.
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ADELAIDE anaesthetist Dr Richard “Harry” Harris says his return home from helping successfully rescue a Thai soccer team from a flooded cave is a “bittersweet moment”.
Speaking outside his home on Saturday, Dr Harris, pictured, revealed how the joyous moment gave way to grief upon learning of his father’s death shortly after the last children were saved.
The cave diver, hailed a “hero of the Thai people”, was among 20 Australians instrumental in the rescue of 12 boys and their coach from the Tham Luang cave.
“It’s really nice to be back home, obviously, with my friends and family, pretty amazing experience for us all last week being involved with this rescue,” Dr Harris, 53, said.
“Some moments of significant fear, I have to say, and then a great result and some really joyous moments to finish.
“Making some true friends and colleagues, new colleagues and acquaintances over there with an amazing bunch of people to work with during the rescue from both Australia and overseas.
“Sadly my father died at the end of the rescue, which was a bit of a bittersweet moment, and that’s why I’ve been very grateful for everyone respecting my privacy while I’m dealing with that with my family and just trying to get back to normal life as fast as possible.
“I’m hoping to get back to work and go through the funeral and celebrate dad’s life and get everything back to normal as quickly as possible. Thank you all very much.”
Dr Harris, pictured, arrived in Adelaide on a RAAF C-17 late Friday. During the flight, he published a post paying tribute to the international team involved in the rescue.
The efforts of Dr Harris have been lauded by one of the British divers who first discovered the stricken soccer team.
John Volanthen said Dr Harris had built a great rapport with the boys through his impeccable bedside manner.
“Dr Harry, the Australian doctor, he’s very good, he’s got a very good bedside manner, he’s got a very bouncy Australian accent, and they seemed to find that quite relaxing and reassuring,” he said.
Dr Harris and his diving colleague, retired WA vet Craig Challen, were about to go on holiday to the Nullarbor when their plans changed. They went to Thailand within an hour of being asked. A petition calling for the pair to be awarded the Cross of Valour – the nation’s highest bravery award – had more than 40,000 signatures last night.