Parasail rope snap sparks tourist safety concerns
The incident, which occurred on Sunday (Apr 20), gained widespread attention after a video circulated online showing a speedboat towing a parasail shortly before the tow rope suddenly broke. The parasail, carrying two…
Two Turkish tourists and a staff member plunged into the sea off Kamala Beach, Phuket, on Sunday when a parasail tow rope snapped, according to Tourist Police. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, raised immediate concerns about parasail safety standards among visitors and locals.
Operator Suspended and Official Response
The Phuket Marine Office suspended the operator's activities pending a full inspection of all parasailing equipment, including ropes, parachutes, and safety gear. Marine Department officials, together with Tourist Police and Marine Police, conducted an on-site investigation on Monday.
Authorities confirmed that the two tourists were unharmed and declined to pursue legal action. The Marine Office stated that the cause of the rope failure will be announced after the inspection is complete.
Safety Measures and Previous Incidents
Equipment inspections, previously held every six months, will now occur every two months, Marine Office Chief Adoon Raluekmoon said. The agency plans to involve more private-sector experts to ensure consistent checks and will launch safety awareness campaigns for operators and tourists.
Sunday’s incident follows a fatal accident at Karon Beach last year, where a 31-year-old staff member died after falling 200 feet without a safety harness. In response to that tragedy, officials made harnesses and adequate crew mandatory, increased inspections, and warned operators of legal consequences for violations.
Repeated safety incidents, officials noted, threaten Phuket’s standing as a premier tourism destination.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/parasail-rope-snap-sparks-tourist-safety-concerns-99981.php
