The Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, Kathu branch, received a report of the incident at 7:38pm. The call prompted a major emergency response, with no fewer than three ambulances and multiple rescue workers dispatched to the scene behind Kathu Municipal School 1.
Rescuers arrived to find a deep concrete drainage canal near a fish pond, with the injured man trapped inside. The teenager was later identified as 19-year-old Mr Patichok Charoenyong.
According to rescue workers, Mr Patichok had been fishing alone when he accidentally stepped on a piece of metal, which pierced his foot. Unable to climb out of the steep-sided canal by himself due to the injury, he remained inside until help arrived.
Rescue personnel lowered a ladder into the canal and climbed down to reach the injured man. The operation to extract him took about 30 minutes. He was placed on a stretcher, secured firmly, and carefully pulled to the surface using ropes.
First aid was administered at the scene before Mr Patichok was transported by ambulance to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further treatment. The severity of his injury was not disclosed.
Officials urged members of the public engaging in activities in high-risk areas to take precautions, including wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding hazardous locations such as canals or areas with exposed metal structures that could cause injury.