BANGKOK: A naked Russian tourist was rescued from the sea about six kilometres from Pattaya’s Bali Hai pier on Monday (Dec 9) after being spotted struggling in the strong current.
Speedboat driver Pracharat Satsuk, 34, said he saw the unidentified man while he was ferrying some 20 foreign tourists to Koh Lan island.
Upon seeing the Russian man struggling to stay afloat, Pracharat stopped his boat and threw a life vest to him before pulling him onboard. He noted the man was exhausted and completely naked.
Pracharat provided the man with a towel to cover himself and a bottle of water, which he drank quickly. After delivering his passengers to Koh Lan, Pracharat handed the man to rescue officials on the island.
Based on hand signals from the Russian, Pracharat believes the man began swimming from Pattaya towards Koh Lan on Sunday night, but became overwhelmed by the strong current, which swept him off course.
Pracharat said the man was fortunate to have been spotted before drifting too far, which could have resulted in tragedy. - The Nation/ANN
