British Tourist Missing after Kayak Accident in Surat Thani
A British tourist has gone missing following a kayaking mishap at Rajjaprabha Dam in Surat Thani province. Officials said 24-year-old Gowribalan Shanghaman was reported to have fallen from his kayak into the waters of the dam early yesterday morning (Feb 11), sparking a search and rescue operation.
Shanghaman, along with a companion, had set out from a local raft house for a kayaking trip when the incident occurred approximately 500 meters from their starting point. The area, situated some 50-60km from the dam’s crest, is known for its scenic beauty but also for its potential dangers.
Four scuba divers from the Cheow Lan Municipal Office have been sent to the rescue site, known to be the reservoir’s deepest part with depths up to 50 meters. The rescue team said they were facing difficulties due to the low visibility in the chilly, turbid waters, posing a significant challenge to their search efforts.
Concerns were also raised regarding the adherence to park safety regulations. Shanghaman and his friend did not report to the authorities before starting their trip, a necessary procedure all visitors must follow to ensure their safety. It was also reported that the two men were not wearing life vests at the time of the accident.
As the search continues, park officials and local authorities are urging visitors to follow all safety guidelines and regulations closely, emphasizing the importance of reporting to park officials before engaging in water activities and the use of life vests to prevent similar incidents.
British Tourist Missing after Kayak Accident in Surat Thani - The Pattaya News
Swansea backpacker, 24, dies after falling into lake while kayaking in Thailand
A British tourist from South Wales, who was reported missing after falling into the deepest part of a lake while kayaking in Thailand, has been confirmed dead.
Shanghaman Gowribalan, 24, was kayaking with his friends in Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir in Khao Sok National Park in Thailand on Sunday 11 February when he fell in.
His body was found after three days of search involving rescuers and scuba drivers.
The backpacker from Swansea fell into the deepest part of the river, about 500m (1,640 ft) from where he was staying.
Gowribalan could not swim to safety and his friend rowed back to shore to seek help from authorities.
A spokesperson for the Khao Sok National Park said his body was recovered on Wednesday and found washed ashore near his accommodation.
"The body was then taken to Ban Ta Khun Hospital while his relatives have been contacted to inform them about the discovery," the statement said.
Police Lt Kongyuth Noomuan said they are treating the death of the man as an accident.
A rescue team involving scuba divers, including Danish specialist Ivan Karadzic, carried out the search operation. Mr Karadzic was part of the team that rescued 12 boys and their soccer team coach from Tham Luang cave in Thailand.
The Foreign Office said they were in touch with the family of the British man as well as the local authorities in Thailand.
Worapote Lomlim, a local park director, suggested that the group of tourists could have been violating rules that required a registration for taking out kayaks into the water.
"No registration was found. We believe the two tourists left early in the morning without wearing life jackets. Therefore, the head of the Khao Sok National Park will be investigating the facts."
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/u...-b2497245.html
