Search still on for missing Phuket kayakers

The search for a Polish tourist and his Thai female off Phuket continues after five days by police, volunteers and the navy. Rescuers are still focusing around the coastlines after scouring the Andaman Sea up to 20 nautical miles offshore earlier in the week. They admit they now have grave fears for the safety of the pair.

27 year old Polish national Mateusz Juszkiewiez and 23 year old Veerakan Siriprakorn rented a kayak on Ya Nui beach, just south of popular Nai Harn beach on Saturday afternoon. Friends, who rented other kayaks with the pair, returned at sunset on Saturday night after receiving a phone call from Mateusz saying they were having trouble getting back. A search was launched immediately but there has been no sign of the pair or clues as to where they ended up.

Authorities, including tourist police and the navy, have deployed helicopters, boats and an aeroplane in the search. Many volunteers have joined in the search for the pair who remain missing after five days.

Phuket’s deputy governor said the search was continuing by land, air and sea, but now focusing on the stretch of sea within 10 nautical miles off the coast.

The search has been impeded by strong winds and high waves, and rescuers have yet to find any trace of the kayak or even evidence the pair are still alive.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post