British tourist goes missing after falling off kayak in Thailand

Local authorities have upped the rescue effort today, more than 24 hours after the young man was last seen (Picture: Viral Press)

A British tourist has been reported missing in Thailand and scuba divers are still searching the 160ft deep waters where he was last seen.

Shanghaman Gowribalan, 24, is believed to have fallen into the deepest part of a reservoir in the Surat Thani province at around 9am on Sunday.

When Gowribalan could not swim to safety, his friend rowed back to shore, to plead authorities for help.

Sonar is being used by police and rescue teams to locate Mr Gowribalan, who has still not been found.

Worapote Lomlim, the local park director, said: ‘Initial investigations suggest that the two tourists may have violated park regulations. 

‘In order to take a kayak out for paddling, you must register first to receive a paddle and life jacket from the staff.

‘No registration was found. We believe the two tourists left early in the morning without wearing life jackets. 

‘Therefore, the head of the Khao Sok National Park will be investigating the facts.’

Rescue teams searching for Mr Gowribalan after he fell into the water yesterday(Credits: ViralPress)

The Brit, reportedly fell into the deepest part of the reservoir, around 500 metres away from the Kraisorn Raft House (Picture: ViralPress)

The rescue operation was temporarily suspended yesterday due to the dangerous conditions of the waters (Picture: ViralPress)

Scuba divers have been searching the waters, but the operation was suspended yesterday over safety concerns.

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The dam is over 164ft deep and the water was ‘very cold’, Worapote said.

The search and rescue team has returned today.

The chief of the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office, Boonruang Longlaluad has said the provincial governor has ordered experts from neighbouring teams to aid in the search.

More scuba divers from neighboring provinces have arrived on the scene today to aid the rescue.

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