Tourist Arrested in Fatal Jet Ski Incident at Phuket Beach

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from CCTV.

 

A 25-year-old tourist, reported in the Thai media as being Austrian, has been arrested in connection with a fatal jet ski collision that claimed the life of a Russian swimmer at Karon Beach on December 17.

 

The victim, identified as 58-year-old Kirill, was swimming near the Sue Puen Mon Bai restaurant when he was struck by a speeding jet ski. Initially reported that the victim was also on a jet ski, the case took a darker turn after witness statements and CCTV footage revealed that the victim was swimming when hit by a jet ski, which then fled the scene.

 

Local fishermen discovered Kirill’s body shortly after midnight on December 18. At first, authorities were unable to identify the deceased, but a hotel-branded beach towel left onshore led them to confirm he was a Russian tourist traveling alone.

 

Police reviewed CCTV footage from a nearby hotel, which showed two foreigners operating jet skis in the area. Local rental operators identified the jet skis as belonging to the “Chao Mai” company, which had rented out three vessels, at the time of the incident.

 

Subsequent inspections revealed that the jet ski operated by Austrian national, identified only as Mr David, bore scratches and paint damage on its front section, while the other jet skis showed no damage.

 

Following an intensive investigation, authorities tracked the suspect to a resort on Phi Phi Island, Krabi Province. A joint operation involving Phi Phi Island Police, Karon Police, Immigration officials, and Tourist Police led to David’s arrest at around 18:30 on December 19.

 

Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Phi Phi Island Police Station, led the arrest team, acting on a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The suspect, who denies all charges, faces accusations of reckless endangerment resulting in death.

David has been transferred to Karon Police Station in Phuket for further investigation.

 

RELATED TOPIC:
https://aseannow.com/topic/1346604-russian-tourist-dies-in-jet-ski-collision-off-phuket-coast/

 

 

-- 2024-12-20

 

 

[KhunLA]

Kudos to the PoPo ... well done 👍

[stevenl]

According to the earlier report the accident happened in the dark. Would be important information to establish if the jetski rider could see the swimmer.

[Katatonica]

5 minutes ago, stevenl said:

According to the earlier report the accident happened in the dark. Would be important information to establish if the jetski rider could see the swimmer.

Certainly not dark in the CCTV still above although the quoted time of death at the time he was found would suggest it was a lot later.

[richard_smith237]

Aren't there 'swimming zones' and anyone swimming outside of these zones does so at their own risk ?

 

So, what is the degree of accountability of jet-skiers, speed boat pilots, long tail boat pilots etc when swimmers are are outside of these area's ???

 

 

IF this was one of the speed boats or long tail boat pilots would charges even be discussed ??

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

According to the earlier report the accident happened in the dark. Would be important information to establish if the jetski rider could see the swimmer.

This is the latest coverage in the Thai media. It is clear from the released CCTV that the incident occurred before night fall. The body was not located and recovered until after midnight.