Two Men Drown While Spearfishing Under Surin Bridge at Night

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

Two men drowned while spearfishing under the Huai Thap Than Bridge in the early hours of 12 March, as their friends were unable to save them.

 

At approximately 02:30, Pol. Lt. Rangsan Uttarasri, an investigator from Non Narai Police Station, was notified of a drowning incident at the bridge in Ban Noi Khayung, Village 10, Kham Phong Subdistrict, Non Narai District, Surin Province. Authorities, including rescue teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of two victims, identified as Mr. Thongkhao, 61, and Mr. Eksit, 60, both residents of Village 8, Boet Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin.

 

According to police investigations, the two men had gone fishing with three other friends from Ban Mok Tao, Village 8, Boet Subdistrict, Rattanaburi. The group had set out at around 18:00, on 11 March, using a small boat from the Ban Nong Luang water pumping station. They travelled south along the waterway and reached the bridge around 01:00.

 

Mr. Thanapon, who was rowing the boat for the group, explained that when they arrived at the bridge, Thongkhao and Eksit dove into the water to fish beneath the bridge pillars but never resurfaced.

 

Another friend, Mr. Thong, recounted the moment, saying, “We saw them disappear right in front of us, but we couldn’t do anything. The water was too deep, and there lots of rocks.”

 

Following the incident, the three others immediately dove in to search for their missing friends. After some time, they located Thongkhao’s body trapped beneath a rock, under the bridge and pulled him ashore on the eastern bank, but it was too late. They then rushed to alert local villagers and called emergency services.

 

Shortly after, rescue teams from Non Narai District, along with a diving unit, arrived at the scene. After an extensive search, they recovered Eksit’s body and transported both victims to Non Narai Hospital for autopsy examinations to determine the exact cause of death.

 

Authorities urge spear fishermen to exercise extreme caution, avoid diving in unfamiliar locations, and always carry emergency equipment.

 

-- 2025-03-13