Dutch Man, Found Unresponsive After Drowning Incident in Pattaya

Picture from responders.

The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received a report at 14.00 on December 25, of a drowning incident in Soi Yensaibai. Pattaya. Rescue teams and medical staff were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The incident occurred at a Yensabai Condominium. Upon arrival, responders found the victim, an 85-year-old Dutch national identified as Mr Hermann Friedhelm, unconscious and unresponsive. Witnesses, including fellow foreigners and condominium staff, were attempting to perform CPR.

Sawang Boriboon rescue teams and medical personnel from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya took over and utilised an automated CPR device in an attempt to resuscitate Mr Friedhelm. Despite their efforts, there was no immediate response, prompting his urgent transfer to the hospital for further treatment.

According to Mr Praiwas Supap, a 58-year-old staff member at the condominium, he heard cries for help while working on the upper floors of the building. He rushed down to investigate and immediately contacted the Pattaya rescue team for assistance.

The cause of the victim’s injuries, including a head wound, remains unclear. Initial suspicions suggest he may have slipped on the steps leading to the swimming pool, hitting his head on the pool’s edge before falling into the water. Hotel management has stated that CCTV footage will be reviewed to ascertain the exact sequence of events.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

-- 2024-12-26