Picture courtesy of DDPM

 

Udon Thai, Huai Luang Dam Reservoir,at approximately 08:50, on August 27 the Sawang Methatham Rescue Radio Centre, received a report from the coordination department of the Nong Wua So Police Station. The report was a request for assistance in the search and rescue mission for Mr. Tan Siharath, a local resident of Nam Phon Subdistrict, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province.

 

Mr. Siharath had gone fishing by boat when a sudden change in wind direction caused water hyacinths to block his path, preventing him from returning to shore. He had been stranded for 48 hours on the water and was unable to provide his exact location. In response, a rescue mission was launched.

 

Initial efforts by Udon Thani Province included sending out two patrol boats to locate the stranded individual. However, they were unable to provide immediate assistance due to the dense water hyacinths obstructing the waterways. Consequently, the province requested support from the disaster relief helicopter stationed at Squadron 23, Udon Thani. the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) collaborated with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) to deploy a KA-32 helicopter for the rescue mission

 

Using the helicopter’s hoist, air rescue personnel successfully extracted the dehydrated  fisherman from the river and transported him to a nearby hospital. The rescue was completed at approximately 12:50, August 27.

 

-- 2024-08-28

 

 

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DDPM video of the rescue.

 

Additional video showing the DDPM Russian built, Ka-32A11BC variant helicopter being used. The DDPM has 4 of these aircraft, which can be used for rescue, disaster relief or converted for firefighting.