Some thrill-seekers describe bungee jumping as a near-death experience, but few come close to a man who managed to survive his confinement in Thailand.
Footage of the harrowing ordeal circulated this week after the 39-year-old tourist from Hong Kong told his story.
The tourist, who asked to use only his first name Mike to avoid online harassment, kicked a swan off a 10-story platform in Pattaya City while on vacation in January this year.
Fortunately, the jump was made over a body of water. The bungee rope snapped milliseconds before Mike neared the bottom of his jump, which catapulted him into the water below.
“I landed on my left side, so the injuries were more serious there,” Mike told CNN. “It was as if someone had really hit me.”
The dive was watched by friends who were with him at Changthai Thappraya Safari and Adventure Park.
Located northwest of Pattaya, the amusement park offers activities ranging from zip lines to live photography.
Mike said he originally went to the park to try out the shooting range, but was brave enough to bungee jump after his friends challenged him.
“It was really strong so I closed my eyes,” said Mike. I had planned to open my eyes when he bounced. “I realized the rope had snapped when I opened my eyes and was surrounded by water.”
He managed to get out and swim though his feet were tied together by the bottom half of the cut elastic rope.
He said: If a person cannot swim, he will be in great trouble. »
Mike said the park reimbursed for his jump and paid for the x-ray and ultrasound in Thailand.
Nithit Intim, the park’s founder, confirmed the incident and said it was the first time he had seen the umbilical cord cut.
After the rope broke, our staff was able to grab it [mike] He immediately got out of the water and asked him if he was okay. [Mike] He said he felt bruised. So we took him to the hospital. »
Intim said Mike signed a liability waiver before making the jump. He also sent a photo of what he said was a signed waiver, along with copies of medical bills in Thailand.
Our staff explained that in the event of a mishap or accident, our company would reimburse the medical costs. But the customer cannot claim reimbursement for any other type of expense.”
He added that the park would be willing to pay any other direct medical expenses in Hong Kong if receipts were provided.
