Holiday horror: American tourist’s idyllic adventure turns tragic near Phuket’s Khai Nai Islands

A 75 year old American tourist met a tragic end during what was supposed to be a blissful day trip to the Khai Nai Islands near Phuket.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Weerayuth Thansirisukvorakul of Phuket City Police received a call from Phuket Provincial Hospital at 11 am on November 22, revealing the demise of Danny G Liu. The picturesque Khai Islands, just a 15-minute boat ride from Phuket, became the backdrop to this unforeseen tragedy.

Tour guide Amphon Baonuet narrated a harrowing scene as Liu, amid the azure waters, fell face down. Bystanders rushed to his aid, performing CPR in a desperate attempt to revive him. Despite the efforts, Liu could not be revived.

As Liu was rushed to Laem Nga Pier and subsequently to Vachira Phuket Hospital, hopes lingered for a definitive answer. Police announced that a post-mortem examination would be conducted to unravel the mystery behind Liu’s sudden demise. The tourist, born in Japan, was on holiday with his wife and son, set to fly home on November 27, reported Phuket News.

Liu’s wife confirmed that her husband battled cystic fibrosis, a condition that may have played a role in the tragic incident. The tour company, Diamond Sea Marine Co. Ltd., held insurance coverage for guests, offering up to 1 million baht in the event of death.

Navakij Insurance PCL would be pivotal in providing a measure of financial support to Liu’s grieving family. The United States Embassy in Phuket was promptly notified of the incident.

In related news, Phuket‘s Tourist Police issued a stern reminder to foreigners purchasing motorbikes, emphasising the importance of having the green registration book in their name. This advice follows a recent dispute between a Russian tourist and a local motorbike rental shop that refused to return his vehicle key. Read more about this story HERE.

In other news, the Department of Medical Sciences, a part of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, has introduced a certification programme that awards hotels for their effective prevention of Legionnaires disease and Norovirus. Read more about this story HERE.