Tragedy Strikes: Korean Tourist’s Body Recovered off Koh Phangan Beach
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the body of a Korean man who tragically drowned after a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating in the sea near Koh Phangan. The incident occurred on Sunday, and the man’s body was found shortly before noon on Tuesday, bringing a somber end to the search efforts.
Challenging Circumstances and Recovery
The boat captain, who stumbled upon the man’s body approximately 600 meters from Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin pier, alerted the missing people center on the island. The discovery took place five kilometers away from where the boat had overturned in the early hours of Sunday morning. The body, dressed in attire matching that seen in security footage from the day of the incident, was promptly transported to Koh Phangan Hospital for further examination.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The Korean victim was part of a group of ten tourists onboard the ill-fated Pichitchai 38 long-tail boat en route from Haad Rin beach to another destination on Koh Phangan. Tragedy struck when the vessel capsized amidst turbulent waters at 3 am on Sunday. While nine passengers and three boatmen were successfully rescued, the Korean man met a tragic fate, highlighting the dangers of maritime travel in adverse conditions.
Accountability and Safety Measures
Surat Thani governor Theerut Supawibulpol wasted no time in addressing the negligence that led to this unfortunate loss of life. The boat’s owner faces charges of recklessness causing death, as investigations revealed the vessel was unregistered, operated by an unlicensed individual with a history of substance abuse, and in defiance of safety warnings to stay ashore due to rough seas. As a precautionary measure, red flags signaling no swimming were raised along Haad Rin beach, where a New Year countdown celebration was scheduled for later that evening.
In the wake of this tragic event, let us remember the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.