Phuket rescuer: Italian’s boat “did not capsize’

KAMALA, PHUKET: An elderly Italian man found unconscious on a dinghy in Phuket’s Kamala Bay on Friday reportedly complained to his girlfriend of chest pains before setting out.

Dinu Costa, 71, was later pronounced dead by doctors at Patong Hospital.

Some local media reported that Mr Costa died after waves caused his boat to capsize.

However, Phuket Ruamkatanyu Foundation rescue worker Taweechai Chutijitvittaya said fishermen found Mr Costa lying unconscious on the vessel around 4pm.

The men towed the dinghy to Kamala Beach and alerted the foundation.

Mr Taweechai and four colleagues rushed to the scene, close to Kamala Islamic cemetery, performing CPR on Mr Costa for five minutes before transferring him to Patong Hospital.

Shortly after 6pm a doctor called to tell Mr Taweechai that Mr Costa had died before arrival.

Mr Costa complained to his girlfriend of chest pains and set out on the solo fishing trip at 3pm despite her protestations, Mr Taweechai said.

Doctors at Patong Hosptial today said they had yet to identify the cause of Mr Costa’s death.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan