Stranded at Sea: Solo Sailor’s Plastic Bottle Boat Adventure
A 53-year-old homeless man, known as “Uncle Somkiat” in Pattaya, Thailand, had a daring adventure yesterday when he set sail with a boat made from plastic bottles to reach Ko Lan Island, located 7 and a half kilometers away. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when his homemade vessel began to drift off course due to the strong winds and current.
Thankfully, a passing speedboat spotted Uncle Somkiat’s predicament and quickly alerted the coast guard. The coast guard sprang into action, locating the man who had been thrown off his makeshift boat about 2.4 kilometers from the shore. After rescuing Uncle Somkiat, they also towed his unique plastic bottle boat back to safety.
Upon being rescued, Uncle Somkiat, who earns his living by collecting plastic, explained that he had set off early in the morning but lost control of the boat as the day progressed and the wind picked up. Despite the unexpected turn of events, he was grateful to the coast guard for coming to his aid.
This incident serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals like Uncle Somkiat, who make do with what they have in challenging circumstances. It also highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges when venturing out to sea, even in unconventional vessels.
