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Chilling video has emerged of the moment a retired Australian businessman plummeted to his death while parasailing at Kata Beach in Phuket, Thailand.

Roger John Hussey, 71, was holidaying with his wife Budsabong Thongsangka, when the accident happened.

In the video a thai parasailor can be seen strapping Mr Hussey into a harness in preparation for take off.  A life vest is added over the top. The instructor who has no safety gear or harness, holds onto two straps passing through what appear to be carabiners on Mr Hussey’s harness. He leans back as the parasail fills with air before both are lifted skywards.

About five seconds after taking off the thai parasailing instructor jumps onto Mr Hussey’s back, throwing his legs over the two straps. Shortly after that the video captures Mr Hussey’s arms outstretched and he almost immediately plummets into the sea about 30 metres (about 100ft) below.

Horrified beachgoers and parasail operators rush quickly to the water, however, Mr Hussey was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at Patong Hospital.

Karon Police have charged parasailer Rungroj Rakscheep, 38, and boat captain Montien Chandeng, 45, with recklessness causing death. According to local media reports both told police that Mr Hussey accidentally pulled a hook causing him to become detached from his harness. No explanation as to how Mr Hussey was able to ‘accidently’ unfasten his parasailing harness which was under a life vest secured with three clips was provided.

Mr Hussey and his wife were scheduled to return back to Australia later this week.

The Phuket death comes just months after fellow Australian tourist, Emily Jayne Collie, died on the same beach while riding a jetski with her boyfriend. According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), between 2014 and 2015 around 109 Australian tourists died in Thailand.

Feature video Chiangrai Times

Related:

• Perth businessman dies in Thailand parasail fall (The Australian)
• Australian tourist Roger Hussey falls to death while parasailing in Phuket, Thailand (The Sydney Morning Herald)
• Australian Tourist Roger Hussey Killed In A Parasailing Accident In Thailand (Huffpost)

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