PATTAYA — A U.S. man was rescued after his paraglider became entangled on top of a high-voltage electricity pole on a popular tourist island off Thailand’s eastern coast, officials said Monday.
Rescue workers were alerted at about 14.30 on 12 January that a foreign tourist had become stranded atop a power pole near Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn island, off Pattaya in Chonburi province.
Police and emergency responders found the man, identified as Michael Travis Langhart, 55, of the United States, hanging more than 10 meters (33 feet) above the ground after his parachute lines became caught on the pole. Witnesses said he was shouting for help as tourists gathered nearby.
The rescue was complicated by the risk of electrocution, prompting authorities to coordinate with the local electricity utility to cut power across the island before attempting the rescue. The blackout affected the entire island for nearly an hour while rescue workers secured the man and lowered him safely to the ground.
Langhart suffered minor abrasions to both legs and burn injuries consistent with an electric shock, officials said. He was taken to Koh Larn Hospital and later prepared for transfer to a hospital in Pattaya for further treatment.
Authorities said Langhart is a licensed paraglider affiliated with the Royal Aeronautic Sports Association of Thailand. He had launched from a hilltop on the island and was attempting to land near the beach when he lost control and drifted into the power pole.
Officials said the incident is under review, and no other injuries were reported.