An Australian businessman was killed while parasailing on the Thai resort island of Phuket on Wednesday. The horrific incident was filmed by his wife standing on the shore.
Roger Hussey reportedly fell 30 m to his death shortly after lift-off from the popular Kata beach. The local media reported that Hussey had accidentally pulled on a hook that unstrapped his harness after confusing the ropes on his parasail.
The 71-year-old Perth businessman plunged into the water and was pulled to shore by beachgoers, who said that he had problems breathing. Hussey was rushed to hospital and he was pronounced dead there.
The footage of the incident showed Hussey being strapped into safety gear on the beach. This was before a boat pulled him and a local, who was not harnessed, into the air. Seconds later, he was seen falling from the air.
According to reports, the Thai police have charged the boat operator with reckless driving causing death, while another man is under investigation. The police said that they were preparing charges against the parasailing business owner.
Hussey was based in Perth and was on the board of numerous companies and not-for profits, including Landgate WA, WA Neuroscience Research Institute and the Bali Eye Foundation.
The couple was on holiday in northern Thailand and was due to return to Australia on Friday. But, before they could go back home safely, the tragedy took place.
In a statement, Landgate described Hussey as an "intelligent and energetic contributor" to its board and western Australia's business community. "Those who have worked closely with Roger are deeply saddened by this news," it added. "We will miss his deep thinking, willingness to challenge conventional views, and passion for growing our business."
Parasailing is popular with tourists in Phuket, where up to 20,000 Australians visit each month. In February, Emily Collie, 20, from Kyabram in north-east Victoria, was killed in a in a tragic jet ski accident off the same beach.
