A Cambodian man who disappeared while diving off Koh Larn to retrieve fish traps for his family was found dead after a two-day search, with police saying he was using substandard scuba equipment that likely led to his drowning.
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The body of Seng Tyno, 37, a speedboat operator living on the island, was discovered floating about 500 metres from where he was last seen off Thian Beach on the southern tip of Koh Larn at around 09:30 on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
Rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation had been searching for him since 15 June, carrying out operations both underwater and on the surface. Search efforts were complicated by strong currents.
His wife, Khwanta Krungra, 39, identified the body. Through tears, she told authorities that her husband had said he was going to dive for fish to feed the family and sell to local seafood restaurants. She last spoke to him at noon on 15 June before he disappeared.
When the body was recovered, investigators found Seng Tyno wearing a black scuba suit fitted with an air tank and a regulator hose. Police said he did not have a pressure gauge or an air supply meter, both considered standard safety equipment for scuba diving.
Authorities found the air tank completely empty. He was also carrying 10 lead weights with a combined weight of approximately 8 kilograms.
Pol. Capt. Chayaphon Yuurot, the investigating officer from Pattaya City Police’s Koh Larn unit, said preliminary findings indicated that the victim ran out of air while diving at a depth of 8-10 metres. Investigators believe he was then unable to return to the surface because of the weights and the absence of a buoyancy control device.
The case highlights the risks associated with diving without complete safety equipment, particularly when working alone. Police have continued to document the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of their investigation.
Khaosod reported that the body was sent for a full autopsy to confirm the cause of death before being released to the family for funeral rites.
Picture courtesy of Khaosod
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 18 June 2026