Krabi Governor Orders Search Operation for Missing Dutch Tourist After Kayak Capsizes at Poda Island
A 61-year-old Dutch tourist remains missing after his kayak capsized near Poda Island in Krabi on May 16; his daughter survived but reported they were not wearing life jackets. Authorities are investigating whether the kayak operator failed
On May 18, Krabi Governor Angkhur Siladeva-akul announced that on May 16, authorities received reports of two foreign tourists—a father and daughter from the Netherlands—who experienced a kayaking accident between Poda Island and Railay Beach in Krabi province. The missing person is Rob Borgmann, age 61, while his daughter who survived reported that they were paddling without wearing life jackets when the kayak capsized, causing her father to drown and disappear at sea. Following the incident, the Krabi Port Safety Control Center coordinated with maritime agencies to launch continuous search operations with assistance from the victim's family. As of today, May 18, the missing person has still not been located, with rescue efforts hampered by unstable weather conditions, heavy rain in several periods, strong wind and waves approximately 2-3 meters high affecting visibility. Governor Angkhur stated that the province takes the matter seriously, as Krabi is a major tourist destination and foreign visitors' safety is paramount. The governor assured the victim's family that authorities will continue searching and pledged to find the missing person soon. Additionally, he ordered relevant agencies to investigate whether kayak operators provided proper safety briefings, weather warnings, and ensured tourists wore life jackets. If negligence is found, strict legal action will be taken.
