The New Zealand yachtsman who was killed during a storm in
Phuket, Thailand, yesterday has been named.
Richard Spraggs, 59, drowned in Chalong Bay after falling off
his yacht La Zingara about 6am.
Chalong police told Phuket News he lost his balance while
trying to push a nearby boat away from his yacht during the
storm.
He hit his head on the nearby boat as he fell, lost
consciousness and fell into the water, where he drowned.
"After he fell from the deck, a friend on another boat nearby
went to help him and pulled him out of the water, but was
unable to revive him," said Captain Chianchai Duangsuwan.
The storm and heavy rain may have contributed to Mr Spraggs'
death, Mr Chianchai.
Mr Spraggs was a regular visitor to Phuket for six years and
was well known in Ao Chalong yachting circles, the Phuket
News reported.
Phuket Cruising Yacht Club club captain Brent McInnes said Mr
Spraggs had been involved with the club for a year or so.
"He was a boat-owning member of the club. He used to come
down the place every day - he was a friendly happy guy. He
would talk with most people who came in, and he lived on his
boat in the Chalong anchorage."
Mr McInnes described Mr Spraggs as a "cruising yachtie".
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.