AN ITALIAN tourist rented a small dinghy and was killed when waves upturned the vessel close to the shore at Kamala beach on Friday.
The man was named as Dinu Costa, 71. He had been staying at a small bungalow resort in the village, about five kilometres north of Patong.
Police at the Kamala station said Mr Costa was tossed into the water about 5.20pm as he headed out to sea. He had been using the boat, which had a small motor, since he hired it about noon to go fishing.
Witnesses on the beach told police that high waves caused the boat to overturn. Mr Costa was alone in the boat.
Longtail boat owners saw the incident but could not rescue Mr Costa in time.
His body is in Patong Hospital while Italian embassy officials determine the wishes of his relatives.
There were 57 drownings on Phuket in 2009 - a large tally when compared with the 153 deaths on the roads, considering the number who use the roads compared with those who swim or use boats.
Figures for both tolls in February have yet to be released.
The man was named as Dinu Costa, 71. He had been staying at a small bungalow resort in the village, about five kilometres north of Patong.
Police at the Kamala station said Mr Costa was tossed into the water about 5.20pm as he headed out to sea. He had been using the boat, which had a small motor, since he hired it about noon to go fishing.
Witnesses on the beach told police that high waves caused the boat to overturn. Mr Costa was alone in the boat.
Longtail boat owners saw the incident but could not rescue Mr Costa in time.
His body is in Patong Hospital while Italian embassy officials determine the wishes of his relatives.
There were 57 drownings on Phuket in 2009 - a large tally when compared with the 153 deaths on the roads, considering the number who use the roads compared with those who swim or use boats.
Figures for both tolls in February have yet to be released.
was he wearing a PFD ? That is the first thing i learned in CG school. Doesn't matter how well you can swim.
Posted by jh on March 22, 2010 08:35