A commotion erupted aboard a passenger ferry bound for Koh Lan when an American man jumped into the sea midway through the journey and refused assistance from rescuers.
The incident occurred at around 9.20am on Thursday as the ferry was travelling from Pattaya to Tawaen Beach on Koh Lan. Witnesses reported that when the vessel reached the channel between Koh Krok and Koh Sak – approximately 800 metres from Koh Lan – the man suddenly climbed onto the bow before leaping into the water and swimming further out to sea.
The ferry captain was alerted immediately and turned the vessel around to assist. However, the man waved off rescue efforts and continued swimming away, signalling to onlookers not to approach.
After several unsuccessful attempts to reach the man, the captain contacted Pattaya’s marine rescue unit for further support.
Marine police, tourist police and rescue teams were deployed, equipped with patrol and inflatable boats. Upon reaching the man, rescuers found him still resisting help. Even after being pulled onto the boat, he repeatedly jumped back into the water – three times in total – causing chaos that lasted nearly an hour.
Rescuers eventually managed to restrain the man and bring him safely ashore near the Pattaya police station. According to initial questioning, the 36-year-old American claimed he had jumped into the sea simply to swim. He said he intended to reach Koh Lan by himself, insisting he did not want any help.
However, authorities observed erratic behaviour and took him to a local hospital for a medical examination. Further legal and immigration procedures are expected to follow.