Family, friends praise KZN man in Thai cave rescue
A former Durban resident involved in the rescue of 12 young boys from a flooded cave in northern Thailand has been hailed a hero by friends and loved ones.
32-year-old Leandro Gerardo was part of the diving team that managed to rescue the youngsters, aged between 11 to 16 years, in an 18-day ordeal.
The football team and their coach entered the cave during heavy rains after practice.
The group became trapped after heavy rains there caused extreme flooding.
In a difficult rescue mission, Thai Navy SEALs and elite divers worked tirelessly to reach the boys - at first supplying food, medical supplies and breathing apparatuses.
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While other rescuers worked to pump out water to help clear the path for divers. The team was rescued following a 72-hour operation last Tuesday.
In a Facebook post, a friend wrote Gerardo - a former Pinetown Boys High School learner and a professional diver - was part of a team of advanced divers in charge of a section 2,5km deep into the cave - passing oxygen bottles and assisting Navy SEALs to bring the boys out on stretchers.
NOW READ: UPDATE: All 12 boys are free
His sister, Lucia Gerardo-Schefermann wrote: 'Well done to Leandro and every person involved in that intense rescue operation.'
The boys and their coach will be released from hospital on Thursday.
See those social media posts below.