The rector designate of Kasetsart University, Associate Professor BordinRassameethes, went missing after taking part in a provincial jet ski event from Chonburi to Hua Hin in mid-December.
The university rector joined a group of about 50 jet skiers who set off on the 110-kilometre journey from ToeyNgam, in Sattahip, in the morning. All of the jet skiers made it to their destination at Supatra Hua Hin Resort in Prachuap Khiri Khan at about 1pm except the rector. A fishing boat later found his jet ski with the engine still running about 17 nautical miles off Paknam Pran (the Pran Buri river mouth), just south of Hua Hin. Aerial and water searches had been launched in the afternoon but at 10pm had failed to locate Associate Professor Bordin. Searches in some locations were suspended as police and rescue workers discussed plans to resume operations at first light. The rector had been tossed from his jet ski when it was hit by strong waves.
He then tried to swim back to the jet ski, but the water craft was swept away by waves and soon disappeared from sight. ProfessorBordinwas kept afloat by his life jacket and drifted at sea into the night. He kept looking for a fishing boat although after one sighting, for the rest of the night, he saw nothing but the sky and the waves. The rough sea kept him awake. He found a floating piece of wood and clutched it to his chest.“It felt like having a friend”, he said.
Despite the peril he was in, he still believed he would survive and that someone would eventually come to his rescue. “I saw a helicopter hovering above but they did not see me.” He then finally sighted a fishing boat in the morning and swam towards it.The crew on the fishing boat saw him and he was finally pulled from the sea to safety. The fishing crew saved my life. They gave me something sweet and other things to eat,” ProfessorBodin said. He sent his thanks to all who were concerned about him, and said he was sorry for causing them to worry. ProfessorBordin said his advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar position is to remain conscious and aware.
Reported by the Bangkok Post Photo by Udomsak Nimsian
