Read the eerie latest report from an Australian tourist found dead in a remote cave on top of a mountain – as details emerge of Thai locals’ daring rescue efforts
- An Australian tourist has died in Thailand
- He collapsed after a difficult walk
An Australian tourist has been found dead after attempting a demanding hike to a remote cave in Thailand.
Edward Alchin, 69, from Sydney, was found unconscious in Tiger Cave in Krabi province on Friday afternoon.
Moments earlier, he posted a photo of the breathtaking view to Facebook showing the steep staircase to the top with the caption, “Only 1,000 more steps.”
The Aussie – traveling alone – made the arduous journey of climbing 1,260 steps to the popular tourist spot.
Mr. Alchin reached the observation deck at the top of the mountain, but felt dizzy with fatigue and later collapsed.
Mr. Alchin (pictured) reached the observation deck at the top of the mountain, but felt dizzy with fatigue and later collapsed
Moments earlier, he posted a photo of the breathtaking view to Facebook showing the steep staircase to the top with the caption, “Only 1,000 more steps.”
He was found at the base of a Buddha statue by a passerby who raised the alarm.
Tourists called rescuers who performed CPR, but it took an hour for emergency services to reach the platform.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate Mr. Alchin, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
It took another hour to carry his body back down the stairs.
Police Lieutenant Attakowit Sungkasit of Mueang Krabi Police Station said Mr Alchin had arrived at the temple alone on a rented motorcycle.
Lieutenant Sungkasit said the man left his bag and passport with temple staff and said he would “be back soon” before starting the hike.
“Witnesses said he was healthy and had a lot of energy,” the officer said.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, but it was very hot that day, so the conditions would have made it more difficult.”
A doctor who conducted a brief post-mortem examination said Mr Alchin may have suffered cardiac arrest after climbing the steep staircase.
In the south of the country, temperatures rise to more than 35°C, making strenuous exercise dangerous in some cases.
Attempts to revive Mr. Alchin were unsuccessful and he died on the spot
Edward Alchin, 69, from Sydney, was found unconscious in Tiger Cave in Thailand’s Krabi province on Friday afternoon
Mr Alchin had climbed the 1,260 steps to Thailand’s popular tourist spot, the Tiger Cave
Emergency services were called to the scene, but it took them an hour to reach the platform
Mr Alchin’s body was transported to Krabi Hospital while officers contacted the Australian Embassy to notify relatives of his death.
Temple personnel have since asked visitors not to hike into the cave if they were not physically prepared.
In February, a German tourist was rescued after falling into a limestone cave in Krabi.
Fried Ingeborg, 61, was exploring the caves of the Khao Khanab Nam mountains when she slipped and injured herself, as paramedics arrived to carry her down a 30-meter staircase on a stretcher.