PHUKET: A Singaporean man was saved from drowning in the sea off Koh Hae, or Coral Island, in this southern tourist province on Saturday morning.
Police and paramedics went to Ao Chalong pier to take Wong Yuen Khuen, 57, to Chalong Hospital after being alerted about the rescue, said Pol Lt Jaruwit Khuncharoen, deputy investigation chief at the Chalong police station in Muang district, who was alerted at around 11.15am on Saturday.
The tourist was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he is under close medical care.
A Thai tour guide told police that the Singaporean tourist had been taken to Koh Hae on Saturday morning to swim but began to struggle and sink in the water. Lifeguards rushed to his aid, dragged him to the beach and performed CPR. They then alerted officials who arranged for a speedboat to come and to take him back to the Chalong pier.
Rescuers lift a Singaporean tourist into a speedboat headed for Ao Chalong pier in Phuket. He is now being treated at Vachira Phuket Hospital. (Photo supplied by Achadtaya Chuenniran)