Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Authorities in Phuket have launched a search for two tourists who went missing while diving near Racha Noi Island on the afternoon of 23 October. The missing individuals, one Thai and one German national, were last seen entering the water around 13:30 before disappearing during a diving excursion.

 

The Third Naval Area Command’s Maritime Enforcement Coordination Center (MECC Region 3) received a distress report at 15:00, from The Racha Hotel on nearby Racha Yai Island. Hotel staff reported that the pair had not returned from their scheduled dive, prompting immediate coordination of search efforts by sea. Two speedboats, Racha 4 and Racha 15, were dispatched to comb the surrounding waters for any signs of the missing divers.

 

Rear Admiral Weerudom Muangjeen, Commander of the Third Naval Area and Director of MECC Region 3, ordered patrol vessel T.272 to join the search operation near Ao Rang Kai off Racha Noi Island. Rescue divers from the Kusoldharm Foundation were also deployed to assist in underwater searches.

 

Officials have appealed to all vessels operating in the area to remain vigilant and report any sightings or floating equipment possibly linked to the missing tourists. The public has been urged to contact MECC Region 3 via its 1465 emergency hotline if any clues are discovered. The incident has raised safety concerns as weather and sea conditions in the region have been changeable in recent days.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two tourists, one Thai and one German, went missing while diving near Racha Noi Island on 23 October 2025.

• Naval and rescue teams are conducting joint sea and underwater searches in the area of Ao Rang Kai.

• Authorities urge passing vessels and the public to report any sightings to the MECC Region 3 hotline 1465.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-10-24

 

 

 

 

 

Their hotel reported that they didn't return???

How about the dive boat operators? Didn't they notice 2 folks missing?

6 hours ago, Peabody said:

Their hotel reported that they didn't return???

How about the dive boat operators? Didn't they notice 2 folks missing?

I think they were staying on the island and shore diving.

UPDATE
Two Divers Rescued After Going Missing Off Racha Noi

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon
 

Two divers who went missing near Koh Racha Noi off Phuket were found safe after a large-scale search operation led by the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai MECC 3). The pair, one Thai and one German tourist, were rescued after being stranded for several hours near the rocky shoreline.

 

The incident began when staff from The Racha Hotel on nearby Koh Racha Yai reported that the divers had not returned from their dive trip. They had entered the water at approximately 13:30 but lost contact with their dive boat shortly after. Concern grew quickly as daylight began to fade, prompting an immediate emergency response.

 

Vice Admiral Weerudom Muangchin, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, ordered a coordinated search effort under Thai MECC 3. The operation deployed naval vessel T.272, support boats ‘Racha 4’ and ‘Racha 15’, and rescue divers from the Kusontham Foundation. Aerial and maritime surveillance was also conducted to locate the missing pair.

 

Rescuers discovered both divers near rocks at Ao Rang Kai, on the southeastern end of Koh Racha Noi. They were brought safely ashore and transferred to Koh Racha Yai for medical assessment. Both were reported to be in good condition following their ordeal.

 

Capt Pichet Songtan, Director of the Public Relations Division and spokesperson for Thai MECC 3, confirmed the successful outcome and expressed appreciation for the teamwork involved. “The Maritime Security Command Region 3 remains committed to protecting lives and ensuring safety across the Andaman Sea,” he said.

 

Authorities have reminded the public that the Maritime Security Command Region 3 hotline, reachable at 1465, operates 24 hours a day for maritime emergencies or to report incidents at sea. The rescue highlights the effectiveness of Thailand’s coordinated maritime safety response network.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two divers, one Thai and one German, were rescued safely off Koh Racha Noi.

• The Thai Navy and Thai MECC 3 coordinated a multi-vessel search that located the pair within hours.

• Officials reaffirmed their commitment to maritime safety and 24-hour emergency support.

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Phuketnews 2025-10-25