Trang marine park boss warns tourists to use life vests after man almost drowns
The chief of Haad Chao Mai National Park in Trang on Thursday warned tourists to wear life vests before swimming in the sea after a Ukrainian man almost drowned a day earlier when he was washed away by a big wave.
Manote Wongsurirat, the chief of the marine park, said it was fortunate the tourist was a strong swimmer. He was able to grab hold of a rock and was eventually rescued by local fishermen about 300 metres from the spot where the wave struck.
Manote said Ukrainian and two friends – a Frenchman and Indonesia woman – had been swimming about 200 metres from the beach at the Haad Yao village. When their friend was carried away by the wave, swam back to seek help from local people. He was found hanging to a rock.
Following the incident, the park has posted a safety announcement for tourists to wear life vests before going out to swim during the monsoon season when the sea is often rough.
Manote reminded visitors that Koh Mook, Morakot Cave, Koh Kradan, Koh Chuak and Koh Wave are closed to tourists from Thursday until September 30.
