Belgian Kitesurfer Dies in Pranburi After Being Swept onto Rocks

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A Belgian man lost his life on 12 January, while kitesurfing off Pranburi’s coastline. The victim, identified as Mr Brendan, 55, was swept onto rocks by powerful waves at Khao Kalok, located within the Thaokosa Forest Park in Pak Nam Pran, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

Local police were alerted to the incident in the evening after the kitesurfer failed to return to shore. Emergency services, including rescue volunteers and forest park officials, responded swiftly, but the challenging weather conditions, including high tides and strong waves, made the rescue operation extremely hazardous. Efforts were hampered further by the inability to locate the victim immediately.

 

With assistance from a drone, rescuers located the victim’s body approximately 3–4 metres deep in a rocky crevice. The man, wearing an orange t-shirt and blue shorts, was found lying face down and was believed to have been in the same position for over two hours. However, rescue teams were unable to retrieve the body immediately due to rough seas and the rising tide.

 

As night approached and the tide receded, rescuers launched a rubber boat to retrieve the body despite the high-risk conditions. Volunteers faced significant challenges, with many suffering injuries from sharp rocks and shells during the operation. Ultimately, they successfully recovered the deceased and brought him ashore.

 

The victim’s Thai girlfriend and her mother were present at the scene and were visibly distraught as they saw the lifeless body.

 

Rescue volunteer Promsingh Singhaseni, who assisted in the operation, explained the difficulties posed by the weather. “The strong waves made it impossible to approach the area on foot. Under normal circumstances, we would use ropes to access such crevices, but today’s conditions were exceptionally dangerous.”

 

Fellow rescuer Polarap Meesaming described the scene, saying, “The body was located on a higher rock ledge. Blood was visible running down into the sea. He had severe injuries to his head and face, likely caused by being slammed against the rocks by the waves.”

 

Prior to the incident, Thailand’s Meteorological Department had issued warnings of heavy rain and strong winds in the Gulf of Thailand, with waves reaching 2–4 metres. Red flags were placed along the shore, prohibiting swimming and water sports. Despite these warnings, the fatal incident occurred.

 

Authorities continue to urge the public to heed weather alerts and safety warnings to prevent further tragedies.

 

-- 2025-01-13