Foreign couple rescued after kayak becomes stuck in Krabi mangroves

A foreign couple were rescued from a mangrove forest in Krabi on May 4 after their kayak became stuck in mud during a receding tide, in an incident that drew attention in Phuket because of the safety risks tied to guided ecotourism trips. The pair were found at Ao Thalane after reportedly ignoring instructions from their tour guide before setting out.

Ao Thalane is a well-known ecotourism site in Krabi, where kayak routes run through mangrove channels. Tours there typically last about 30 minutes and depend on tide timing and close adherence to the guide’s route briefing.

Guide says pair missed after safety briefing

According to the guide, the couple had argued before the trip and appeared to ignore the safety briefing and route explanation. After the group reached the starting point, the guide realized the two were missing and began searching the area.

They were later found sitting in their kayak inside the mangrove forest. The boat had become lodged in mud after the tide receded, leaving them unable to move.

Darkness and rain complicated the rescue

The area was dark and rainy when the couple were located. They did not try to move because visibility was poor, officials said.

The guide warned that ignoring instructions can create dangerous conditions in mangrove waterways. Without assistance, the pair could have remained stranded overnight in darkness and exposed to insects.

The case follows other recent outdoor rescues in Thailand. In January, a British cyclist became lost in a forest in Chiang Mai while heading toward the city centre and was later rescued after becoming disoriented in the dark. Last month, rescuers in Phetchaburi helped five tourists off a mountain after one of them was injured and the group abandoned its climb.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/krabi/foreign-couple-trapped-in-krabi-mangrove-forest-during-low-tide