Tragedy struck Koh Larn as a speedboat collided with tourists, resulting in a fatality and a missing person. This unfortunate incident has brought to light the persistent pleas from Koh Lan residents to install protective buoys in the swimming areas, revealing a critical safety gap that needs urgent attention.
In the serene waters off Koh Larn, a horrifying collision occurred when a speedboat struck two individuals swimming in the designated area. Witnesses described a fleeting moment of shock as the driver briefly paused, then rapidly retreated from the scene. The aftermath exposed a grim reality — a young female tourist lost her life, and a Russian tourist faced the initial distress of being missing before his body was discovered. The gravity of the situation prompted officials to conduct an autopsy, shedding light on the harrowing consequences of a boat propeller’s impact.
The deceased, a 20-year-old woman identified as Ms. Narada, met a tragic end, her life cut short by the boat’s propeller during a leisurely swim near Koh Larn. Alongside her, Mr. Enrique RAKHMAN, a 22-year-old Russian tourist, initially went missing. However, after an extensive search, his lifeless body was recovered, bearing evident wounds from the boat’s propeller. This calamity underscores the pressing need for safety measures to protect beachgoers and tourists.
The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety infrastructure in Koh Larn’s swimming zones. Mr. Sorasak Thongbongphet, the Secretary of the Koh Larn Community, highlighted the absence of protective barriers and the insufficient presence of navigational buoys to delineate safe swimming zones. He implored Pattaya city administrators to take swift action, advocating for the establishment of clearly demarcated swimming areas and enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response to this grievous event, authorities have apprehended the speedboat driver, Mr. Thawatchai Chompupuang, who claimed an unawareness of the collision’s occurrence. The initial charges against him revolve around negligence resulting in the tragic loss of life. This incident has propelled the need for a reevaluation of safety protocols and their rigorous enforcement, ultimately aiming to preserve the sanctity of Koh Larn’s waters for both residents and visitors.