Austrian tourist arrested on Phi-Phi Island over fatal jet-ski accident

An Austrian tourist was arrested at a resort on Phi-Phi Island yesterday, after he had allegedly rammed a jet-ski into a Russian national while he was swimming in the sea off Phuket’s Karon Beach on Tuesday evening.

According to witnesses, the victim, identified as 58-year-old Kiril Kolovachev, was swimming when a jet-ski, allegedly driven by an Austrian identified only as David, 25, crashed into him and then sped away without stopping to help.

Phuket police checked CCTV footage and interviewed traders on the beach, through which they were able to identify the suspect, who had already left for Phi-Phi Island in Krabi province.

Armed with an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, police sought cooperation from Phi-Phi Island officers in locating the suspect, who was arrested at the resort.

The suspect has denied all the charges against him.