Man drowns after becoming tangled in fishing net in Sam Roi Yot

A 66-year-old man drowned in Sam Roi Yot after becoming tangled in a fishing net he had set himself, police said.

Officers from Sam Roi Yot Police Station, together with rescue workers, were called to a waterside location in Sam Roi Yot district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, after receiving a report of a missing person believed to have drowned. At the scene, authorities found a motorcycle and a pair of flip-flops belonging to the man, identified as Mr Somphoch, aged 66.

Divers were deployed to search the water, but the operation was halted within a minute after they encountered a fishing net obstructing the area beneath the surface. Officials then began carefully retrieving the net.

As the net was lifted, the body of the missing man was brought to the surface. His hand was found tightly entangled in a large knot within the net, which police believe prevented him from swimming or freeing himself, resulting in his death.

Net believed to have caused fatal entanglement

Authorities said the fishing net drowning appears to have been accidental, with the victim likely becoming trapped while checking or retrieving the net.

According to the victim’s wife, Mr Somphoch had stopped fishing around six to seven years ago. However, in recent days, he decided to resume the activity and had gone out to set a net.

On the day of the incident, he left home early in the morning on his motorcycle to check the net and collect fish for cooking. When he failed to return by evening, family members became concerned. His grandson was sent to search for him and discovered only the motorcycle and his footwear near the water.

Fearing he had drowned, the family contacted police and rescue services, who later confirmed the fatal outcome.

Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play, and the case is being treated as an accidental drowning.