American Tourist Vanishes Jet Skiing off Patong Beach
PHUKET, THAILAND—A multinational search is underway off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, after an American tourist vanished while jet skiing near Patong Beach on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Authorities are racing against time to locate 27-year-old Nina, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Nina rented a jet ski from Saranuwat Nasok, a rental operator near the Sea Pearl roundabout in Patong, Kathu District, between 9:25 a. m. and 9:55 a. m. What began as an idyllic morning quickly turned into a desperate search and rescue operation. A passing boat captain reported seeing Nina remove her life jacket to swim around 9:40 a. m., a detail adding complexity to the situation. Ten minutes later, at approximately 9:50 a. m., the jet ski rental operator, during a routine check, found Nina’s unmanned jet ski adrift about one kilometer offshore. The jet ski, undamaged and showing no signs of collision, silently witnessed Nina’s disappearance.
The discovery triggered an immediate, coordinated response from multiple agencies. Officials from the Phuket Regional Harbor Office are leading the search, collaborating with personnel from Kathu District, Patong City Municipality, Patong Police Station, and various local rescue foundations. Inflatable boats are crisscrossing the area where Nina was last seen, while rescue workers search the shoreline. Nina’s belongings and life jacket, left on the jet ski, underscore the urgency of the search.
Adding another layer to the investigation, authorities contacted the Celebrity Millennium, a cruise ship that sailed nearby during the relevant timeframe. They requested access to the ship’s security camera footage from 9:00 a. m. to 1:00 p. m., hoping to find clues to Nina’s whereabouts. Late Thursday evening, the cruise ship responded, stating that its stern cameras recorded footage of jet skis in the area, but no accidents or suspicious incidents were observed. While this eliminates one investigative avenue, it unfortunately offers no further clarity on Nina’s fate.
The ongoing search highlights the inherent risks of water sports, even in seemingly calm conditions. Phuket’s crystal-clear waters attract tourists worldwide, but they can also present unforeseen dangers. As the search intensifies, the international community anxiously awaits news, hoping Nina will be found safe. The investigation continues, and authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant, to come forward. Nina’s disappearance serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable nature and the importance of vigilance during water activities.
