Richard William Stanton , ( born 1961 ) also known as Rick Stanton , is a British civilian cave diver who specializes in rescues through the Cave Rescue Organisation and the British Cave Rescue Council . He has been called " one of the world 's most accomplished cave-divers " , " the face of British cave diving , " and " the best cave diver in Europe " . Stanton has lived in Coventry for many years , and was formerly a firefighter with the West Midlands Fire Service for 25 years prior to his retirement . In 2018 he played a leading role in the Tham Luang cave rescue and was awarded the George Medal in the Civilian Gallantry List
Tham Luang cave rescue
Tham Luang cave rescue
Richard Stanton (cave diver)