Welsh Backpacker's Thailand Kayaking Tragedy: Inquest Findings

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail

 

A heart-rending tragedy unfolded on a serene Thailand morning as British backpacker Shanghaman Gowribalan, 24, drowned after his kayak capsized in Cheow Lan Dam, Surat Thani. The Swansea-raised engineer set out on what was meant to be an adventurous excursion on 11 February 2024, only for it to turn into a desperate search-and-rescue effort.

 

Gowribalan, who embarked on the journey with a friend, faced catastrophe when his kayak began taking on water. About 500 metres from their accommodation, the vessel overturned in the reservoir, part of a lush Khao Sok National Park. His mate's frantic calls for help initiated a search lasting three days, culminating in the discovery of Gowribalan's body on Valentine’s Day.

 

 

The inquest at Swansea Guildhall revealed critical oversights; the tourists failed to register and acquire lifejackets for their kayaking venture. Thai authorities confirmed the lack of formal safety measures. A post-mortem highlighted significant findings of water and sewage in Gowribalan’s lungs, confirming accidental drowning.

 

Coroner Aled Gruffydd led the inquest, expressing profound sympathies to the bereaved family and emphasizing the preventable nature of this tragic loss. The young man's zest for travel and his accomplished, bright life left a poignant void for those he left behind, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

[Peabody]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A post-mortem highlighted significant findings of water and sewage in Gowribalan’s lungs

WTF!?