PHUKET — Thai authorities have launched a search operation for a 27-year-old American tourist who disappeared while jet skiing off Patong Beach on the morning of February 27, 2025. A coordinated effort involving local officials, police, and rescue teams is underway to locate the missing woman, identified only as Nina.
According to reports, 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 passenger boat captain later reported seeing her remove her life jacket to swim at around 9:40 a.m. When the jet ski rental operator went to check on her ten minutes later, she was missing. The jet ski was later found floating about one kilometer from shore with no visible signs of damage.
Authorities have contacted the cruise ship Celebrity Millennium, which passed through the area during the time of her disappearance. The ship’s security footage from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. reportedly showed only jet skis passing by, with no recorded accidents or unusual incidents.
The search effort is being led by the Phuket Regional Harbor Office, with support from Kathu District officials, Patong City Municipality, Patong Police, and various rescue organizations. Teams continue to scour the area by sea and land in hopes of finding the missing tourist.
