Thai cave rescue: Hero doctor Richard Harris’ father dies just after mission ends

The father of the heroic Australian doctor Richard Harris passed away just after the mission was successfully completed.

Richard Harrishas been at the centre of the rescue. Picture: AAP.

The father of Australian doctor Richard Harris, who played a crucial role in rescuing 12 boys and their coach who were trapped in a cave in Thailand, passed away just after the mission was successfully completed.

A statement released by MedSTAR Clinical Service Director Andrew Pearce confirmed the death.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm that Harry’s dad passed away last night a short time after the successful rescue operation in Thailand.”

Dr Pearce described Dr Harris as a “quiet and kind man who did not think twice about offering his support on this mission.”

He said the doctor had requested his privacy be requested.

“This is clearly a time of grief for the Harris family, magnified by the physical and emotional demands of being part of this week’s highly complex and ultimately successful rescue operation.

“He will be coming home soon and taking some well-earned time off to be with his family. He has asked that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Screengrabs of Dr Richard Harris.

Formal recognition for cave hero

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has hinted that Thai cave rescue hero Richard Harris and the rest of the Australian team will be formally recognised for their efforts when they return to Australia.

Ms Bishop said Dr Harris, and Adelaide anaesthetist, had played an integral role, along with his diver partner, Perth vet Craig Challen, Australian Federal Police and Navy divers and DFAT personnel.

Ms Bishop said she was delighted that the entire Wild Boars football team of young boys and their coach had been brought to safety after spending more than a fortnight trapped deep in a cave system near Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.

“I’m absolutely delighted that this extraordinary ordeal is over, that the 12 boys and Coach Chantawong are safe,” Ms Bishop told ABC radio.

“They’re being assessed, but I understand that they are going to be fine, and it is an extraordinary international effort, brilliantly led by the Thai authorities.

“You’re right. There were times when people didn’t think that they’d be able to achieve this, and when the former Thai Navy seal died in the rescue attempts a few days ago, I think everyone’s spirits were very low, but now there are jubilant scenes coming from Chiang Rai, and understandably the rescue teams are physically and emotionally drained, but very excited that they’ve been able to achieve what is a world first, a most remarkable ordeal and rescue.”

Ms Bishop said she understood Dr Harris had been the last person out of the cave.

“That’s what I understand. He has been an integral part of the rescue attempt,” she said.

“He was specifically identified by the British diving team as an expert whose skills would be required, and he was asked for at the highest levels in the Thai government and fortunately was able to go to Chiang Rai and be part of the rescue.

“He is internationally renowned for his expertise in cave rescues. He’s very well known to us at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade because he’s part of the Australian medical assistance team that goes overseas under our aid program to support developing countries, indeed he spent some time in Vanuatu working at the Port Vila hospital under the Australian aid program.

“He’s very well known to us, and his expertise is recognised around the world. His dive partner Craig Challen is a vet from Perth and he was also part of the rescue team.

“It ended up being 20 Australian personnel all up, including the six federal police divers, the Navy clearance diver and members of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade crisis rescue team.”

Ms Bishop said she had not yet had a chance to speak with Dr Harris.

“He’s been on site. I’ve been maintaining contact with our ambassador Paul Robilliard and our team in the embassy,” she said.

“They’ve been sending on messages of love and support and cheering them on every step of the way.”

Asked whether Dr Harris was likely to be formally recognised for his efforts, Ms Bishop said the rescue had been an extraordinary team effort.

“We’ve been part of the Thai-led international effort,” she said.

“Dr Harris’s role has been quite extraordinary and I’m hoping that we’ll be in a position to thank all of our rescue team when they return to Australia.”

Asked whether the recognition was likely to be formal, Ms Bishop said: “Indeed”.

Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said she had been watching the rescue on Twitter from Washington, where she is meeting US security and intelligence officials and will attend the Australia-US Leadership Dialogue.

“Isn’t it just wonderful news, and what a wonderful relief for parents, particularly for family and friends,” Senator Wong said.

“But can I say this? In a world where we see a lot of bad news, a lot of tragedy, isn’t it wonderful to see the power of co-operation and the lengths people will go to, the courage people will show, to help a fellow human being, and I think it is a cause for inspiration and optimism.”