PATTAYA, Thailand – A Russian tourist was rescued after attempting to swim from Pattaya Beach to Koh Larn, a distance of approximately 6 kilometers on December 8. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found floating exhausted and naked in Pattaya Bay by a local speedboat driver, Pracharat Satsuk, 34, who was transporting a group of foreign tourists at the time.
While navigating the waters near Koh Larn, Pracharat noticed the distressed tourist struggling in the water. He immediately stopped the boat and threw a life ring to the man before pulling him aboard. The tourist, severely dehydrated and suffering from multiple saltwater abrasions, was wrapped in a towel and given water to drink.
According to Pracharat, the man had been swimming since the previous night, possibly attempting to swim across the sea for a personal challenge. It is believed that strong currents had carried him far from his intended path, leaving him stranded in the sea. Fortunately, the water currents were not too strong that day, which allowed for a successful rescue.
After bringing the tourist safely aboard, Pracharat transported him to Koh Larn, where local authorities took over and began the process of assisting the man. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of attempting such risky feats in open waters without proper preparation.
