PATTAYA — A 40-year-old American man caused panic among passengers on a ferry bound for Tawaen Beach, Koh Laan, after jumping into the sea and repeatedly refusing rescue attempts on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred when the vessel reached the channel between Koh Krok and Koh Saak islands, less than 800 meters from Koh Laan. The man climbed to the bow and jumped into the water, then swam away from the boat. Passengers alerted the captain, who turned the vessel around to assist, but the man swam away and waved goodbye, refusing help.
After multiple unsuccessful rescue attempts, the captain radioed Pattaya’s marine rescue unit for assistance.
Hour-Long Rescue Operation
Ms. Kalaya Modetong, head of the Koh Laan rescue unit for the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya, who was on the ferry, captured part of the incident on video.
Pattaya City Police stationed on Koh Laan, tourist police, and the Pattaya Marine Rescue Team deployed rubber boats and patrol vessels to assist. When rescuers reached him, the American man swam away and jumped back into the water three times after being pulled aboard.
The chaotic scene lasted nearly an hour before rescue workers physically restrained him and brought him back to Pattaya Beach near Pattaya City Police Station.
Mental Health Concerns
The man was identified as Joshua, 36, a U.S. citizen, from New York. During questioning, he claimed he jumped because he wanted to swim in the sea and intended to swim to Koh Laan on his own, insisting he didn’t want anyone’s help.
However, authorities remain skeptical due to his erratic behavior and have transported him to a hospital for a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before proceeding with legal action.
The incident disrupted ferry services and raised concerns about passenger safety and mental health crises among tourists in the popular resort destination.
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