Couple drowns in Nakhon Ratchasima reservoir while fishing

A Thai couple tragically drowned in an 800-rai reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima while fishing. The wife, who was not a strong swimmer, struggled, and her husband attempted to rescue her, but both ultimately drowned.

Officers from Chaloem Phra Kiat Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima were alerted to the incident by locals. The accident took place at Bueng Pho Pruea Waeng in Nong Ngu Lueam Subdistrict. Rescue teams, including Hook 31 Korat, were dispatched to assist.

Upon arriving at the scene, rescue teams discovered that the reservoir is a significant water source, covering approximately 800 rai. It supplies raw water for producing tap water for 10 villages in Nong Ngu Lueam and is also used for rice farming and fishing by locals.

Residents who reported the incident initially noticed the couple fishing in the reservoir. The couple were familiar faces in the area, often seen fishing for household consumption. However, they soon observed the wife displaying signs of distress, seemingly unable to swim properly. Her husband quickly swam towards her to assist.

The water depth in the area varies, and as the husband attempted to bring his wife back to the shore with her riding on his back, they both unexpectedly fell into a deeper section. They struggled, resurfacing intermittently, before disappearing underwater.

Witnesses promptly informed relatives and nearby villagers for help. However, due to the reservoir’s vast size and uncertain water depths, no one dared to venture into the water. Consequently, they contacted the police and rescue teams for urgent assistance.

Rescue team

Specialised units, including Hook 31 Korat’s underwater rescue team, were mobilised. The search operation commenced at 11.10am with divers using motorboats to reach the incident location. Locals who witnessed the event pointed out the approximate area, but initial dives were unsuccessful due to the large size of the reservoir and potential misidentification of the exact spot.

The search continued for nearly two hours until the bodies were found at 1.20pm. The victims, identified as 53 year old Prakas, and his wife, Manee, were retrieved from the water. The couple’s 20 year old child, along with relatives and neighbours, waited anxiously on the shore, overwhelmed with grief, reported KhaoSod.

The police confirmed the identities of the deceased and coordinated with the rescue team to transport the bodies to Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The bodies were later released to the family for religious rites.