Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

The Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center Region 3 rescued a foreign male tourist on Wednesday afternoon 17  December, after he suffered a medical emergency while freediving in Manta Bay off Racha Noi Island in Phuket province. The incident prompted an urgent response at sea, with authorities transferring the injured tourist to hospital for treatment.

 

The unnamed tourist was reported to be vomiting blood and bleeding from the eyes, symptoms consistent with a serious medical emergency. Maritime officials rushed him from the site to shore at Phuket’s deep-sea port, where he was handed over to medical staff. He was then taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital to receive further treatment.

 

The rescue was carried out by Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center Region 3, which oversees maritime safety and emergency responses in the southern Andaman Sea area. The operation took place in waters off Racha Noi Island, a popular location for diving and marine tourism due to its clear seas and diverse marine life.

 

Freediving, which involves diving underwater on a single breath without breathing apparatus, can carry medical risks if a diver experiences distress or underlying health problems. Authorities did not disclose the tourist’s nationality, age, or the specific cause of the medical emergency and no further personal details were released.

 

Officials focused on stabilising the tourist and ensuring rapid transport to medical care rather than providing additional comment on the circumstances. The swift evacuation to Phuket’s deep-sea port allowed emergency services to minimise the time taken to reach hospital treatment.

 

The incident highlights the ongoing role of maritime authorities in responding to emergencies involving tourists in Thailand’s busy coastal waters. Phuket and surrounding islands attract large numbers of visitors for diving and other marine activities throughout the year.

 

No information was provided on the tourist’s condition following admission to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Authorities have not indicated whether any investigation will follow or if safety advisories will be issued in relation to the incident.

 

Khoasod reported that the focus remains on the tourist’s medical treatment and recovery. Maritime officials are expected to continue routine safety monitoring and emergency preparedness in popular diving areas around Phuket as tourism activities continue.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A foreign male tourist was rescued after a medical emergency while freediving off Racha Noi Island.

• He was vomiting blood and bleeding from the eyes before being rushed to hospital in Phuket.

• Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center Region 3 led the sea rescue operation.

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-18

 

 vomiting blood and bleeding from the eyes, symptoms consistent with a serious medical emergency

 

😂 Don't you say.