CHONBURI, Thailand – Four foreign divers reported missing in the Samae San sea area of Chonburi have been found safe after drifting in the water to a beach near Sattahip, bringing an end to a multi-agency search that lasted several hours.

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Naval special warfare divers located the group at approximately 8:45 PM on August 14, following a search operation involving sea and air teams. The four men had entered the water earlier in the day for a diving session but did not resurface at the expected time, prompting relatives and officials to fear for their safety.

The operation was directed by Sattahip district chief Nattawut Anuyotha and Pol Col Khomsan Khamtunkaew, superintendent of Sattahip Police Station, alongside personnel from relevant agencies. Officials from the Naval Special Warfare Command later spotted the divers floating in the sea near Suai Nam Sai beach and brought all four to the coordination point, where worried relatives were waiting.

The divers were identified as a British national, two Americans, and a Polish national. Initial questioning revealed that the group had surfaced after their dive but could not locate their boat. They decided to remain afloat and were carried by the current towards the beach area, where rescuers eventually found them.

All four are certified, highly experienced divers, with some being diving instructors who had travelled to develop further technical diving skills. Technical diving can involve deeper, longer, or more complex dives than standard recreational trips, making clear arrangements for surface pickup and emergency procedures particularly important. In this case, the divers were able to stay together in the water until they drifted close enough to shore to be seen.

Samae San, off Sattahip in Chonburi, is a well-known diving area within reach of Pattaya and Bangkok. The safe recovery of the four men has now brought the multi-agency search to a close. Relatives expressed visible relief following the lengthy search, and the divers are reported to be in good health.

Authorities have reminded divers to ensure clear communication with boat operators and to carry emergency signalling devices to prevent similar incidents in the future. The operation was widely praised for its swift and effective coordination, underscoring the importance of preparedness in Thailand’s waters. The successful rescue has been met with relief by the local community and the diving industry, highlighting the need for continued safety measures in the region’s popular diving spots.

The incident has reinforced calls for enhanced safety protocols for diving operations in the area, with further training and awareness campaigns likely to follow. The divers’ families have expressed their deep appreciation for the efforts made by all those involved in the search and rescue operation, and the matter is now considered resolved.

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The authorities have commended all those involved in the successful rescue, and the divers have expressed their gratitude for the efforts made on their behalf. The incident has been closed by the relevant agencies, and no further updates are anticipated at this time.

-Thailand News (TN)