Israeli Tourist Rescued in Thailand After 20 Hours Stranded on Rocks
A 60-year-old Israeli tourist was rescued off Koh Phangan, Thailand, after spending nearly 20 hours stranded on rocks when a sudden storm swept him away while diving.
A 60-year-old Israeli man was rescued off the coast of Koh Phangan, Thailand, after spending nearly 20 hours stranded on rocks following a sudden storm while diving.
The incident began on Tuesday afternoon when the Israeli tourist entered the water for a dive under sunny skies. Within minutes, weather conditions deteriorated rapidly as the sea turned rough, sweeping him away from the shore. After local police were notified, members of the local Israeli community on the island quickly established an emergency command center and launched an intensive search operation that lasted roughly 24 hours.
Community members scoured the coastline throughout the night to determine his possible location. On Wednesday morning, a group of Israelis utilizing jet skis spotted the missing diver stranded on a rocky outcrop off one of the island's beaches. Volunteers reached the location and safely evacuated him after approximately 20 hours of exposure.
According to a local resident, the tourist realized the weather was turning dangerous and wisely swam toward a rock to wait out the storm. "He did not take unnecessary risks, and that is what saved his life," a Koh Phangan resident told the press. "It was a major miracle. We woke up to wonderful news this morning after spending the entire night in uncertainty. The entire community mobilized immediately, demonstrating incredible mutual support and solidarity in times of distress."
