Devoted widower rescued after jumping into sea to retrieve tape measure gifted by late wife

A devoted husband had to be rescued after jumping in the sea to retrieve a tape measure - the last gift he received from his late wife.

Nopporn Phuangraksa, 41, was sitting on a bridge when he accidentally dropped the tool into the sea in Chonburi, eastern Thailand on Tuesday (August 13).

He took off his shoes and hat before jumping into the muddy water, desperately searching for the tape measure which had sentimental value as it was given to him by his wife before she died.

The man retrieved his tape measure but was trapped in the process and failed to pull himself out of the salty quagmire.

Many passers-by heard Nopporncrying for help and called the rescue foundation as they thought the man was attempting to commit suicide.

Onlooker Thanapat Boonsiri said: ''I saw a pair of shoes and a hat left on the bridge and then I saw him covered in mud and asking for help.

''I thought was trying to kill himself and suddenly changed his mind or something, so I called the rescuers.''

Volunteers arrived at the scene and found Nopporn struggling in the sticky mud while his hand was still clinging to the measuring tape.

They brought down a rope for the man to tie around his waist before pulling him up to the bridge. He was uninjured and was sent home with his tape.

Nopporn said that his wife brought the type for him to use everyday at work before she passed away.

He said: ''It was only 350 baht (9 GBP) but it means a lot to me. I think of her every time I take it out from my pocket.

''This type is very handy too, so it would be a big regret if I let it disappear in the mud in front of me.

''I don't regret this at all. I'm just happy I was able to get my tape measure back. It will be OK after I have cleaned it and I will use it again. But I will be more careful next time.''