Calum Macdonald's tale begins at the Vietnamese border, where he was momentarily blinded by a kaleidoscopic light after indulging in free alcoholic shots at a Laotian hostel. Despite the initial belief that he merely experienced food poisoning, he soon realized his eyesight was compromised. After arriving in Vietnam with his friends, he discovered they had not turned the lights off – he was blind.
Calum was one of many affected by a methanol poisoning incident last November in Vang Vieng, Laos, which claimed six lives, including two Danish travelers he had met. Alongside the families of other British victims, he is advocating for clearer travel safety guidelines from the Foreign Office regarding methanol and counterfeit alcohol.
Simone White, another victim who drank free shots at the same hostel, was in good spirits prior to falling deathly ill. Her mother, Sue, received harrowing news of Simone's coma and the dire need for surgery, which ultimately did not save her life.
Methanol, a highly toxic substance, can often be embedded in counterfeit alcoholic beverages, especially in Southeast Asia, posing a lethal threat when consumed unwittingly. Symptoms can mimic typical hangovers, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. Calum warns tourists to be wary of complimentary drinks and urges them to opt for local beers instead.
Calum remains proactive, learning to navigate his new reality while advocating for awareness surrounding the dangers of methanol poisoning, a harrowing experience that underscores the importance of informed travel.
The Foreign Office recognizes this issue as serious and claims to be working with local authorities to address the risks associated with methanol and counterfeit alcohol consumption for British travelers abroad.
Calum was one of many affected by a methanol poisoning incident last November in Vang Vieng, Laos, which claimed six lives, including two Danish travelers he had met. Alongside the families of other British victims, he is advocating for clearer travel safety guidelines from the Foreign Office regarding methanol and counterfeit alcohol.
Simone White, another victim who drank free shots at the same hostel, was in good spirits prior to falling deathly ill. Her mother, Sue, received harrowing news of Simone's coma and the dire need for surgery, which ultimately did not save her life.
Methanol, a highly toxic substance, can often be embedded in counterfeit alcoholic beverages, especially in Southeast Asia, posing a lethal threat when consumed unwittingly. Symptoms can mimic typical hangovers, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. Calum warns tourists to be wary of complimentary drinks and urges them to opt for local beers instead.
Calum remains proactive, learning to navigate his new reality while advocating for awareness surrounding the dangers of methanol poisoning, a harrowing experience that underscores the importance of informed travel.
The Foreign Office recognizes this issue as serious and claims to be working with local authorities to address the risks associated with methanol and counterfeit alcohol consumption for British travelers abroad.
