Calum Macdonald's arrival at the Vietnamese border marked a turning point in his life. After a night of revelry in the party town of Vang Vieng, Laos, he was engulfed by a "kaleidoscopic blinding light," an alarming symptom of methanol poisoning that would ultimately rob him of his sight.
The 23-year-old had been enjoying free alcohol shots at a hostel, not realizing that he and his friends were part of a larger tragedy—a mass methanol poisoning that claimed six lives last November. Sadly, among the deceased were two Danish girls Calum had met during his travels, highlighting the grave risk that underlies the vibrant façade of Southeast Asian nightlife.
Calum recalls moments before the onset of sickness, thinking it was food poisoning after struggling to make sense of his surroundings. However, upon arriving at his next destination in Vietnam, he discovered that he wasn't simply in the dark; he was blind. His life took a dramatic twist that day, and now he embarks on a mission to ensure such tragedies do not repeat.
Among the deceased was Simone White. A day after Calum’s departure from Vang Vieng, she too succumbed to the effects of methanol poisoning, leaving her family devastated. Simone had texted her mother shortly before her demise that it was "the best holiday she'd ever been on." Her mother, Sue White, faced the gut-wrenching task of making life-saving decisions as her daughter fought for her life in a coma.
Methanol, often found in industrial products, is highly toxic and can contaminate alcoholic beverages during poor production practices, particularly in locations known for cheap spirits. The symptoms mimic a regular hangover but can escalate to severe health risks, including blindness and death within hours. The charity Doctors Without Borders reports that methanol poisoning remains a frequent occurrence across Southeast Asia.
Survivors like Kirsty McKie also shed light on this issue; after consuming methanol-contaminated drinks in Bali, she became gravely ill and later died. Her friend Sonia, who also drank the same spirits, survived without understanding the randomness of such a fate.
Disheartening stories extend beyond the immediate loss of life. Cheznye Emmons's family recounts her last moments, noting her fear before losing consciousness from contaminated gin that had levels of methanol far exceeding legal limits.
Calum, reflecting on these tragedies, is committed to educating travelers on the risks associated with consuming free drinks and suggests opting for safer alternatives like local beer. The Foreign Office recognizes the severity of methanol poisoning and emphasizes the importance of travel advisories to protect tourists from such dangers.
With ongoing efforts from the families of victims, there is hope for increased awareness and a safer environment for travelers in Southeast Asia. Calum, now navigating his new reality with resolve, reflects on the responsibility he feels to prevent future tragedies.
