French tourist missing after boat capsizes in Surat Thani

A French tourist has been reported missing following the capsizing of a tour boat in Surat Thani’s Rajjaprabha Dam reservoir. The incident occurred yesterday, November 23, when strong winds and high waves overturned the vessel carrying 13 people, including 10 French tourists, a tour guide, a caregiver, and the boat operator.

Rene Mary Corre, whose age remains unknown, was part of the group enjoying a sightseeing trip at Khao Sam Kloe. As the winds intensified, the boat was unable to withstand the turbulent conditions and capsized.

Park officials quickly arrived at the scene and successfully rescued 12 people. Investigators are currently determining whether Corre might have been saved by a nearby tourist boat, as another group of French tourists was also in the vicinity during the incident.

Two tourists experienced chest tightness and were promptly taken to Ban Ta Khun Hospital for examination. Another individual, who had choked on water, was transported to Surat Thani for further medical attention.

Subsequently, the boat operator underwent questioning regarding the events leading up to the capsize, while the remaining tourists were safely brought back to the pier, reported Bangkok Post.

In similar news, two men survived a perilous experience at sea after their boat sank during a squid fishing trip near Koh Chun in Na Kluea, Pattaya. The incident unfolded in the evening, with a distress call received at 10.06pm on Sunday, September 15, reporting tourists adrift.

In other news, two young Australian lives were tragically cut short this month as Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19 years old, succumbed to suspected methanol poisoning while vacationing in the popular tourist destination of Vang Viang, Laos. Their deaths are part of a larger tragedy that has claimed the lives of six foreign tourists in total.

The incident unfolded on November 13 when the two friends, along with other tourists, consumed alcohol at local bars. Within days, they and several others began to exhibit symptoms of severe illness, including nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. Despite urgent medical attention in Thailand, the young women succumbed to the toxic effects of methanol poisoning.