PATTAYA – A morning ferry trip to Koh Larn was thrown into chaos on October 9 when a 36-year-old American man leaped into the sea and repeatedly resisted rescue attempts. The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. in the channel between Koh Krok and Koh Sak, approximately 800 meters from the shore of Koh Larn.

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According to Ms. Kalaya Modthong, head of the Koh Larn rescue unit of the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, the man unexpectedly climbed to the bow of the ferry traveling to Ta Waen Beach and jumped into the water. Shocked passengers watched as he then swam further out to sea, waving away assistance. The ferry captain made several attempts to maneuver the vessel closer to the man, but he consistently refused help, prompting a call to the Pattaya Marine Rescue unit.

The American man claimed he jumped because he wanted to swim in the sea and intended to swim to Koh Laan on his own, insisting he didn’t want anyone’s help. #kohlarn #pattaya #thailand https://t.co/fBJiK6siwu

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 9, 2025

A coordinated response was launched involving Pattaya City police from Koh Larn, tourist police, and marine rescue teams using patrol boats and inflatable rafts. The operation was prolonged as the man resisted rescue efforts, jumping back into the water three times after being initially reached by responders. The rescue mission lasted nearly an hour before authorities were finally able to safely restrain him and bring him ashore at Pattaya Beach near the Pattaya City Police Station.

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The American, identified as Mr. J., explained to officials that he had jumped because he wanted to swim back to Koh Larn independently and did not desire assistance. Authorities, however, noted that his behavior was unusual and decided to transport him to a hospital for a comprehensive medical evaluation. No physical injuries were reported from the incident, but the event caused significant alarm among ferry passengers and underscored the operational difficulties rescue teams can face in volatile maritime situations.

-Thailand News (TN)