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A team of Australian divers helped save 13 members of a Thai soccer team
They were trapped in a cave for 18-days while international rescuers worked
An Australian media outlet wrote a scathing summary of the team's involvement
The six members were all presented with bravery medals for their contributions

By Brittany Chain For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 19:06 EST, 17 November 2018 | Updated: 19:38 EST, 17 November 2018

e-mail

The Australian divers who helped save 13 members of a Thai soccer team from a treacherous cave are reportedly livid over their portrayal in the media.

A new book about the 18-day rescue mission, published by Fairfax journalist James Massola, details the effects a scathing summary by The Australian Financial Review (AFR) had on the crew.

Six members of the Australian Federal Police were awarded bravery medals for their contribution to the effort.

But the AFR article claimed the Australian rescue team had missed a chance for international glory after allegedly ceasing rescue efforts at 5pm on Monday July 2nd - two days after they arrived in Thailand, news.com.au reported.

Only hours later, amateur divers from Wales discovered the boys and their trainer, alive.

Rescue teams worked tirelessly in the caves to arrange a water pumping system to the entrance of the flooded caves

The rescued soccer team members pose with a sketch of the Thai Navy SEAL diver who died while trying to rescue them, while they were all still in hospital being monitored

Australian doctor Richard Harris (right), along with his dive partner Craig Challen (left) and the medical team he worked with to assist in the rescue of 12 Thai boys

The article never mentioned the AFP's reasoning for retreating from the rescue mission after days of intense assistance, but it did note the federal agency 'eagerly promoted its involvement'.

In his book, Mr Massola claims the article left the AFP furious.

He said the AFP are specialists, and weren't as well equipped for the conditions as other search teams.

'Specialist cave divers use side-mounted slimline air tanks, which allow divers to slip through narrow openings,' he wrote.

'The AFP's much bulkier air tanks had to be worn on their backs, so it was impossible for them to go any further than chamber 3 — because of the pinch points that they would confront further into the chamber.'

Two Australians, anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris and his dive partner Dr Craig Challen, later played a crucial role in the mission.

Thai rescuers prepare to enter the cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach were trapped

Thai rescue teams use headlamps to enter a pitch-black cave complex where 12 boys and their soccer coach went missing

Australian members of the Thai cave rescue team, Dr Richard Harris (left) and Mr Craig Challen (right) are honoured with the Order of Australia and the Star of Courage

Dr Harris was the last person out of the cave after giving each of the boys a once over and clearing them to make the daring escape.

He also chose the order in which the boys travelled.

The two men were presented with the second highest bravery accolade in Australia - the Star of Courage.

They have allegedly agreed to a book and movie deal worth $US1 million ($AU1.37 million) each.

AFP senior management rejected offers for future interviews with the divers only weeks after the Financial Review article was published on July 6th.

Coach Ekkapol Janthawong, left, and the 12 boys show their respect and thanks as they hold a portrait of Saman Gunan, the retired Thai SEAL diver who died during their rescue attempt