Rick Stanton

Rick Stanton is one of the world’s foremost cave divers, specialising in dangerous rescue operations in collaboration with the Cave Rescue Organisation and the British Cave Rescue Council. He reached international notoriety for his instrumental role in the intricate 2018 Tham Luang rescue operations, which captivated the world and saw him awarded the George Medal in the Civilian Gallantry list. Rick has conducted several complex rescue operations over the past few decades, which he now discusses in his speaking engagements, sharing his distinguished cave diving expertise and revealing the secrets that make him among the best cave divers in the world.

Inspired by the TV programme, The Underground Eiger, at an early age, Rick began developing an interest in cave diving. It was during his time as a student at Aston University that he first gained a taste of diving as a member of the caving and diving clubs. To build on his diving experience, Rick worked on his technique in the River Lune, emerging as a self-taught diver with great talent. After completing his studies, he joined the West Midlands Fire Service, working as a Firefighter for 25 years.

Putting his cave diving passion to great use, Rick has established himself as a leading diver who is regularly called upon for complex rescue missions. Some of his most notable rescue missions have included the 2004 Alpazat caverns in Mexico, the recovery efforts at Dragonniere Gaud Cave in 2010 and the Jordbrugrotta in 2014. For his gallant rescue efforts, he has been repeatedly honoured with prestigious awards, such as the Royal Humane Society’s bronze medal in 2012 and the Pride of Britain Award for Outstanding Bravery in 2018. Moreover, he has set world records, such as the greatest depth achieved in a British cave at 76m in 2004 and the longest cave penetration dive at 8,800m in 2010, which he completed alongside Volanthen, Jason Mallinson and Rene Houben.

Recently, Rick released The Sunday Times bestselling book, Aquanaut, which documents his experience in the Tham Luang rescue mission. Netflix has also released The Trapped 13, a film based on the rescue operation, which has received great acclaim. Considered one of the most experienced cave divers in the world, Rick specialises in complex rescue operations and has also broken world diving records, demonstrating his outstanding skill and ability. He is a highly respected figure and a leading authority in the cave-divining world and is highly-sough after for speaking engagements. When booked for speaking engagements, he shares captivating anecdotes of his intricate rescue operations and offers the audience an insight into cave diving.