Thirteen Lessons that Saved Thirteen Lives
John Volanthen
Aurum/Quarto, London. 2021. 300pp, cave map on endpapers. Hardback, 160mm × 245mm. £20
ISBN 978-0-7112-6609-4
A RESPECTABLE distance in time now separates us from the actual rescue incident in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave in 2018, and the inevitable deluge of ‘informed’ accounts that burst into print shortly afterwards. Now, both prime movers in the incredible diving operation that caught the world’s attention have opted, more or less simultaneously, to publish their own evaluations of what occurred. I deliberately decided not to read both books consecutively, in case either text interfered with my assessment of the other, and chose instead to read John Volanthen’s narrative on its own.
In some ways this is a curious read – although the story of the rescue unfolds chronologically throughout the book, the author has concentrated far more on analysing what attributes are required to tackle problems such as this; skill sets and life experiences that accumulate to produce not only an ideal person for the task but, uniquely, the two most qualified cave divers
in the world at that time. What results is a primer itemising all facets of mental discipline brought to bear not merely on high-profile rescues, but on cave diving in general and by extension any life choice where a little stepping back to organise thought processes can and will help in the successful resolution of problems and obstacles along the way.
Reading through this excellent approach to life, the universe and everything, I could not help but be very impressed by John’s obviously highly systematic mindset. Here, it is clear, is a man standing far from self-aggrandisement but fully aware of his peerless qualifications, all sorted out, structured and filed away in his head for use when applicable. These form the subject (lesson) of each of the thirteen chapters, starting with ‘Why Not?’ which discusses how to overcome our naturally negative reactions to any daunting situation so as to tackle it in a positive frame of mind.
The author then proceeds to describe, with historical examples, various techniques summoned from his well-ordered mind, relating them to stages of the search and rescue operation in Tham Luang, all necessary to ensure a successful conclusion to what could well have been a monumental tragedy. Although I have direct experience of sump diving in zero visibility, this aspect of the operation may also be readily imagined by non-divers reading this book. John has a natural narrative style that is easy to read; he does not play down the obstacles, frights and half-imagined terrors, and neither does he dwell on them for effect. They are described as encountered, each conjoined to one of his cognitive checklists to be resolved so as to move the retrieval of the young football team a little closer to reality.
Pleasingly, there is little or no criticism of other participants. Cultural differences are respected and, apart from one or two small outbursts born of extreme weariness, the writer concentrates instead on ‘getting the job done’. Lesson 8: ‘Harnessing Teamwork and Trust’ says it all.
Clearly, John Volanthen is an extraordinary human being, self-effacing yet totally confident of his own abilities and always prepared to share them in rescue situations beyond the capabilities of conventional teams. This book, an enjoyable read in itself, should serve as a bible to others on how to push themselves past limits they see as terminal. To quote from the book: ‘By applying the processes detailed in Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives, everybody has the potential to rise up and succeed with their own challenges.’ So true, yet it cannot be denied that the Volanthen/Stanton partnership has advanced this premise to a point of incredible efficiency. If nothing else, reading this book will engender in the reader Respect with a capital ‘R’. A forthcoming feature film on the incident will star Colin Farrell as John Volanthen. In his (Farrell’s) own words, this book is ‘a profound and thrilling read’. I quite agree, and a deeply thoughtful one as well.
Alan L. Jeffreys
Originally published in Descent (281), August 2021
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