The football team who were rescued alongside their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand have paid tribute to the former Navy Seal who died trying to save them.
The Wild Boars junior football team are currently in hospital after spending 18 days trapped within the Tham Luang cave system. They have now been deemed mentally strong and stable enough to learn the news about Saman Kunan, who died during the rescue mission.
Kunan was on a mission to install oxygen tanks along the cave passageways that the boys were eventually brought through to safety.
Photos have been released by the Thai Health Ministry that show some of the boys with their heads bowed around a table with a picture of former Petty Officer Saman on it.
The ministry also issued a statement that said: "All cried and expressed their condolences by writing messages on a drawing of Lieutenant Commander Saman and observed one minute of silence for him."
A doctor at the hospital at which they are being treated said: "All of the boys who were evacuated from the cave have been informed of the death of one of the rescuers.
"All of the boys cried and were in tears when they found out. The survivors expressed their thanks to the Thai Navy Seal by bowing to his picture.
"The boys all promised to be a good person and lead a good life to honour him.
"We told them about the death of Navy Seal Kunan as part of the process of preparing the boys to go back home and to lead normal lives."
Kunan was honoured on Saturday with a state funeral that was attended by high ranking military officials, as well as a representative of the King of Thailand.
He was ordered the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) and given the medal of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant. He was also given a posthumous promotion to Lieutenant Commander.
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It had been suggested by some that the boys and their coach entering the caves during the rainy season was a reckless decision.
However, in the aftermath of the brave rescue effort, Lieutenant Commander Saman's widow, Valeepoan Kunan, said: "I want to tell the boys, please don't blame yourselves".
She has also posted several touching Instagram messages to her husband.
One said: "I love you like you are my very heart."
Another read: "I love you so much. I miss you. From now on when I wake up... Who will I kiss?"
Tragic.
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RIP Lieutenant Commander Saman.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: World News, News, Football