French expat rescued off Phuket, jet-ski and parasail ban remains in force today

A French expat on a dinghy has been rescued in Ao Yon, Wichit yesterday (June 19) while the Phuket Marine Office has announced that jet-skis and parasails will remain beached until today (June 20).

Maj Eakkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police was notified at 1.30pm yesterday that a French man, 78 year old Claude Gasca, had been rescued off the coast of Cape Panwa.

Maj Eakkachai says, “Mr Gasca disappeared after took off from Chalong  Pier on a dinghy on Monday (June 18) night heading to his sailboat name ‘Striana’ which was moored off Ao Yon beach. “

“Yesterday (June 19) his Thai wife,  Montatip Tongkhao, said she was unable to contact him. So she called the police. The search was lunched by the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command (NAC3).”

“At 5.30pm yesterday, we were notified that Mr Gasca had been found safe by a friend and taken back to Chalong Pier. He was taken to the Mission Hospital as he was very weak.”

“Mr Gasca told us that after he had retired, he lived in Phuket with his Thai wife. Every day he travels in his dinghy to his sailboat in the sea. On Monday night there were very strong winds and waves. The dinghy was washed ashore and got stuck in a mangrove forest.”

“His friend, who was on another boat, had rescued him. His mobile phone was soaking with water. So he cannot contact his wife.”

The chief of the Phuket Marine Office has ordered authorities at all ports and piers, as well as the boat operators, to be careful heading out to sea, including today (June 20).

Read more HERE.

However some Jet-skis and parasail operators still operated their services during the inclement weather. The Phuket Maine Office has announced a ban of jet-ski and parasails rides from yesterday until today.

“Legal action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law”, says the Chief.