Thai authorities have launched a search operation for an American tourist who went missing while jet skiing off Patong Beach on the morning of February 27.
The missing individual, identified as 27-year-old Nina, rented a jet ski from a local operator between 9:25 a.m. and 9:55 a.m. near the Sea Pearl roundabout in Patong, Kathu District. A passing boat captain reported seeing her remove her life jacket to swim around 9:40 a.m. Ten minutes later, the jet ski rental operator checked on her but found no trace of her. The jet ski was later discovered floating about one kilometer from shore, undamaged.
Authorities have since reached out to the cruise ship Celebrity Millennium, which passed through the area at the time of Nina’s disappearance. The vessel’s security footage, reviewed between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., reportedly showed only jet skis in the vicinity, with no indication of an accident or suspicious activity.
The search operation is being led by the Phuket Regional Harbor Office, with assistance from Kathu District officials, Patong City Municipality, Patong Police, and local rescue teams. Efforts remain ongoing.
