After unknowingly consuming methanol-laced drinks in South East Asia, survivor Calum Macdonald shares his story of sudden blindness, urging travelers to be aware of the risks associated with free alcohol offerings in popular tourist hotspots.
Survivor Calls for Awareness After Methanol Poisoning in Laos
Survivor Calls for Awareness After Methanol Poisoning in Laos
A young man goes blind from methanol poisoning in Laos and speaks out about his harrowing experience and the need for holidaymakers to be cautious.
When Calum Macdonald crossed into Vietnam from Laos, he experienced a sudden and alarming vision change, seeing a kaleidoscopic light before realizing he could no longer see. Just a day earlier, he had been in Vang Vieng—a hotspot for tourists, where offers of free whisky and vodka flooded from nearby hostels. Having mixed these drinks with soft drinks merrily, he and his friends chalked it up to food poisoning. But upon arriving in Vietnam, it became glaringly apparent that his vision was permanently altered.
At just 23 years old, Calum now grapples with blindness, emerging as one of the many victims affected by a mass methanol poisoning incident in the region last November. Among the victims, six tragically lost their lives, including friends Calum had met during his travels. Together with the families of other British victims, he is advocating for better communication from the Foreign Office about the dangers of methanol poisoning while traveling in Southeast Asia.
The alarming situation escalated for another victim, Simone White, who, the day after Calum's incident, partook in free shots. A text to her mother heralded her holiday as the best ever, yet days later, Simone was in a coma due to methanol poisoning. Despite her mother's desperate flight to Laos for emergency surgery, Simone succumbed to the toxic effects of the substance.
Methanol, often found in industrial products, is a known danger when ingested in alcoholic beverages poorly manufactured. Unfortunately, many tourists may not realize the warnings, with symptoms of poisoning often mimicking a hangover. Calum's advice to tourists seeking fun in Southeast Asia is straightforward: avoid free drinks entirely. He emphasizes the enjoyment that local beers can bring without the peril of toxic alcohol.
Moreover, he notes how the deaths of fellow travelers shifted his perception, inciting a sense of responsibility to prevent similar tragedies. Sharing his journey of learning to navigate life with blindness, Calum wishes to foster awareness around this serious issue.
The Foreign Office acknowledges the dangers posed by methanol poisoning and is working to enhance travel awareness. As the shadows of loss linger, it becomes increasingly vital to educate travelers about the unseen threats lurking under the guise of fun and hospitality in popular tourist destinations.
