Belgian kite surfer’s final flight: Tragedy strikes in Khao Kalok
A Belgian kite surfer lost his life after being swept away by a massive wave and trapped headfirst in a rocky crevice at Khao Kalok near Pran Buri. Despite valiant rescue efforts, his life was tragically cut short as he remained pinned 4 metres deep amidst the unforgiving rocks.
Pak Nam Pran Police Radio Centre today, January 13, received an urgent report of the distressing incident. The wave had carried the Belgian, Brendan, clad in an orange sports shirt and navy blue shorts, into the crevice, making it impossible for him to escape.
Strong winds and high tides obstructed immediate rescue operations, causing tension among his waiting Thai girlfriend and mother, who had just recently visited.
With the area too treacherous for boats or jet skis, officers deployed a drone to locate the 55 year old’s exact position. After multiple surveys, the drone confirmed the grim sight of him motionless, lying face down for over two hours.
MGR Online reported that the rescue teams faced formidable odds, unable to act immediately due to the fierce tides. It wasn’t until the tide receded at dusk that they could launch their mission.
Volunteer rescuers and park officials bravely launched rubber boats, battling relentless waves to reach the crevice. The rescue was fraught with challenges, with rescuers injured by sharp rocks and shells. Yet, against the odds, they recovered Brendan’s body, bringing it safely to shore where a heartbroken reunion awaited.
Phromsing Singhaseni, a marine environment conservation volunteer, described the dire scene, recounting the drone’s mission that first located Brendan. With waves deemed too perilous, rescuers devised a strategy amid challenging conditions to retrieve him safely.
Volunteer rescuer Phonlap Meesaming revealed the grisly details, revealing how Brendan had been thrown against the rocks by the waves, resulting in severe head and facial injuries that were likely fatal.
This tragic accident occurred despite warnings issued by the Meteorological Department of Thailand, advising caution in the face of impending heavy rain and violent seas in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Red flags had been posted to deter swimming, yet the ocean claimed another victim. Grief hangs heavy over Pran Buri as the local community mourns this heartbreaking loss.
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