Rescuer in Thailand cave where boys trapped dies from lack of oxygen

MAE SAI, Thailand -- Thai authorities say a former navy SEAL working to rescue boys trapped in a cave has died from lack of oxygen.

SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew told a news conference Friday morning that the rescuer was working in a volunteer capacity and died during an overnight mission in which he was placing oxygen canisters.

"Despite this, we will continue until we accomplish our mission,'' Arpakorn said.

Thai authorities are racing to pump out water from a flooded cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23.