A Russian tourist narrowly escaped disaster after being stranded at sea for seven hours, eventually rescued by a squid fishing boat off the coast of Sattahip, Chon Buri Province. At approximately 4:30 p.m. on September 25, 2014, local media were informed by the fishing boat Tai Jum, which was operating off Bang Saray, that a woman had been found floating in the water and calling for help. The crew immediately alerted Mr. Suphot Chomdokmai, a local boat operator, who promptly brought a speedboat to assist.
The Russian woman, identified as Junior, 32, had been staying at a hotel in Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District. After consuming a small amount of alcohol, she ventured into the sea at around 9:00 a.m. for a swim. However, she swam too far, losing her bearings and drifting about 8 kilometers from the shore. With no energy left, Junior floated aimlessly, hoping to be rescued. After several hours, the fishing boat spotted her at around 4:00 p.m. and brought her safely to shore at the Fishing and Tourism Club pavilion on Bang Saray Beach.
Mr. Suphot confirmed that after receiving the distress call from the fishing boat, he immediately dispatched his speedboat to retrieve the exhausted woman. Rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanatham Foundation of Sattahip later transported her to a local hospital for a medical check-up. Once cleared, arrangements were made to return her to her hotel.
Junior’s ordeal highlights the dangers of swimming while intoxicated and underscores the importance of vigilance while engaging in water activities.
