German Tourist Bitten While Swimming at Nang Thong Beach, Phang Nga

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A 57-year-old German tourist, Mr. Elke Marion Maier, was bitten on the left leg by an unidentified marine creature while swimming at Nang Thong Beach in Khao Lak, Phang Nga province. The incident left him with a deep wound, approximately 15 centimetres wide and 30 centimetres long.
 

Rescue workers from the Petchkasem Foundation transported the injured man to a local hospital for initial treatment before he was transferred to a facility in Phuket for further care.

 

Mr. Siwat Rawangkun, District Chief of Takua Pa, and other officials, including Mr. Lertsak Pongklin, President of the Phang Nga Tourism Business Association, and Ms. Jittima Khongphan, a village head, visited the scene following the incident.

 

According to Mr. Athiti Pinyo, a lifeguard at a nearby hotel, the victim called for help while swimming in chest-deep water. “We immediately rushed to help him. Upon bringing him ashore, we found significant bite marks on his left leg,” Mr. Athiti stated.

 

Authorities suspect the bite may have been caused by either a shark or large fish, but further investigation is needed. Officials have sent photos and details of the wounds to marine experts to identify the species responsible.

 

This incident is reminiscent of a similar case in 2020 at the same beach. In response, red flags have been placed along the beach to warn swimmers, and hotels in the area have been instructed to inform their guests to exercise caution.

 

Mr. Lertsak Pongklin urged tourists to be vigilant. “We’ve coordinated with hotels and water sports training centres to ensure tourists are made aware of the situation. For the next few days, we advise everyone to be cautious while swimming,” he said.

 

Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the incident and to enhance safety measures for tourists.

 

 

-- 2024-11-30

 

 

[KhunLA]

At least they didn't say it wasn't a shark, and would be my  guess from the photo.

 

"Authorities suspect the bite may have been caused by either a shark or large fish, but further investigation is needed."

 

 

 

[Yagoda]

There are large hungry things in the ocean with a lot of teeth so I'll confine my water sports to swimming pools and expensive facilities in Berlin