Tourists rescued after ignoring red flags at Phuket beaches
Emergency services in Phuket rushed to rescue two tourists who nearly drowned after ignoring red flag warnings at Kata and Karon beaches. The tourists, from Russia and China, were successfully resuscitated with CPR before being taken to Chalong Hospital for further treatment.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanya Suksawat of Karon Police Station received notification from the Karon Radio Centre about the incidents. The first case involved 62 year old Vladimir, a Russian national, who was spotted struggling in the water at Kata Beach. Emergency services, along with local police and a municipal rescue unit, quickly arrived at the scene.
Upon arrival, Phuket rescuers found several tourists attempting to assist Vladimir, who was unresponsive. CPR was administered on the beach but he remained unconscious. He was then promptly transported to Chalong Hospital for further medical attention.
Almost simultaneously, rescue personnel were alerted to a second incident at Karon Beach. This time, it involved 30 year old Zeng Xiangbo, a Chinese tourist, who also ignored the warning flags and ventured into the dangerous waters. Rescue personnel, already on high alert, swiftly moved to the location.
Xiangbo was found conscious but in distress. First responders immediately performed CPR to stabilise him before he was also taken to Chalong Hospital. Both incidents occurred on the same day, highlighting the perilous conditions of the sea and the critical importance of adhering to safety warnings, reported KhaoSod.
The red flag warnings, indicating hazardous sea conditions, were clearly displayed at both beaches. Despite the warnings, the two tourists chose to enter the water, leading to these near-fatal incidents. Local tourist police continue to stress the importance of observing these warnings, especially during the monsoon season when sea conditions can change rapidly.
In other news, Tourist Police officers discovered the lifeless body of a missing Belgian woman buried under the sand at the bottom of the Mae Yen Waterfall spillway in Pai District, in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, after three days of searching.
