Pattaya, Thailand – A Chinese couple’s leisurely jet ski ride turned into a major ordeal when they went missing at sea, leading to a large-scale search and rescue operation. After more than 15 hours, one of the tourists was found alive, while the woman was later sadly found dead while still wearing a life jacket.
On September 9th, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, Pattaya City Police received a report from Mr. Chamnarn Sritong, a 45-year-old jet ski rental operator, stating that two Chinese tourists who had rented his yellow Yamaha jet ski, “Mr. Jazz 1,” had not returned as scheduled. The couple, identified as Mr. Ma Xiaoxiao, 33, and Ms. Yang Ojong, 28, had rented the jet ski to ride near Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn.
The couple, who were vacationing together, set out in the early afternoon but failed to return to shore. Authorities suspect the jet ski may have encountered an accident or that the couple became disoriented and unable to navigate back.
Following the report, a coordinated search was launched involving Pattaya City Police, Koh Larn Police, Tourist Police, the Marine Department, and Sawang Boriboon Rescue volunteers. The operation continued through the night, and at 2:30 AM on September 10th—nearly 12 hours after the couple went missing—Mr. Ma Xiaoxiao was found alive, floating in the sea about two nautical miles (3 km) from Koh Nok. A local fisherman spotted him and alerted authorities, who brought him safely to shore. Ma was visibly exhausted and deeply distressed, as his partner, Ms. Yang Ojong, remained missing.
At 11:00 AM on September 10, marine rescue teams located the damaged jet ski adrift at sea, with visible cracks on its hull, likely caused by a collision with rocks. The jet ski was towed to Jomtien Beach for further inspection to determine the cause of the incident.
Lieutenant Colonel Torlap Tinamat, an officer with the Tourist Police, led efforts to intensify the search for Ms. Yang. Authorities interviewed Mr. Ma to gather details about their route, which reportedly took them from Koh Larn toward Koh Sichang before they became lost. Sadly, her body was later found and an autopsy is scheduled as of press time.
CCTV footage from Tawaen Beach captured the couple riding the jet ski alongside two others, speeding off into the open sea. Within five minutes, their jet ski disappeared from view, raising concerns.
The incident has highlighted the risks of water sports in open waters.
