German tourist hit by jet-ski to leave hospital today

PHUKET: A German tourist who was hit by a French jet-skier on February 28 is expected to be discharged from hospital today.

Erich Heim, 55, was swimming about 200 meters from the shore of Paradise Beach, south of Patong Beach, when Chadd Attard, 20, struck him with a jet-ski, rendering him unconscious (story here).

Mr Attard was charged with reckless driving causing injury, and his passport was seized until police could establish whether or not Mr Heim would want to press further charges.

“This case is still open due to Mr Heim being in hospital and unable to confirm whether or not he wants to press charges,” Lt Col Anukul Nuket of the Patong Police told the Phuket Gazette yesterday.

“Mr Attard’s passport is still with police. If Mr Heim is discharged today and ready to discuss the issue, I will make an appointment for the men to meet and work out the charges.”

— Kongleaphy Keam