Search launched for hotel worker lost at sea

KOH RACHA YAI: Phuket Marine Police are searching for a worker at The Racha resort who was washed overboard when a wave overturned the small catamaran he was sailing on early yesterday evening.

Capt Chatchai Sakdee of Phuket Marine Police said that he received the initial report from the Third Area Naval Command. “The incident happened about 7 pm yesterday, about 500 meters off the west of Racha Yai Island, near Patok Bay.

“The catamaran was hit by a big wave and flipped over. On board were hotel workers Surat Rakangthong and Muhammad Amee Saho, both 23,” Capt Chatchai said.

The men, both recreation events staff at the resort, were sailing a small Hobie Cat used for resort guests, he added.

“They went sailing by themselves after taking resort guests for a sail,” he said.

“K. Surat said that he saw K. Muhammad wearing a life vest and holding onto the side of the upside-down boat, but after the large waves had subsided K. Muhammad was nowhere to be seen.

“We are still searching for him now,” he said.