
London - British divers who played a key role in the rescue of a boys football team from a flooded Thai cave in July have been decorated in recognition of their efforts, the Press Association (PA) reported Saturday.
Richard Stanton and John Volanthen, who were the first divers to reach the children, were awarded the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award, announced alongside Britain's annual New Year Honours list.
Expat Vern Unsworth, 63, who lives in Thailand, received an MBE (Member of the British Empire) award, alongside Joshua Bratchley and Lance Corporal Connor Roe, 26, from Scotland.
Christopher Jewell and Jason Mallinson, 50, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, received the Queen's Gallantry Medal for exemplary acts of bravery.
"This was a team effort, and I'm very honoured to have been recognised, particularly as you don't engage in a major rescue expecting this outcome," Unsworth told PA in a reaction to the award.