An Australiantourist who was reported missing in Phuket – one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations – has been found dead after a three-day search.
The 41-year-old was pulled from the water at one of the island’s most popular beaches, according to local media. Authorities were alerted by the chief lifeguard at Freedom Beach, who had spotted a body floating some 66ft from the shoreline during his morning patrol. Upon arrival, officers from the Karon Police Station found the body amid strong surf conditions. The man, reportedly from South Australia, has been on holiday in Thailand with his wife since April 20 and was reported missing on May 7.
According to Asia Pacific Press, emergency responders used ropes to descend the body before carefully pulling the deceased onto the beach. Police said the man was found wearing only a pair of black underwear.
The family of the victim “have been informed that his body has been found”, according to a statement by Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit.
“We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,” he added.
“Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide.”
The 41-year-old’s body has since been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a formal autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. An investigation into the circumstances of his death is also underway.
Tourist deaths in Thailand are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence. In March, a British tourist went missing and is feared dead after a fire ripped through a diving boat off Thailand’s infamous “Death Island”.
Alexandra Clarke, 26, from Lambeth, South London, was reportedly trapped in the toilet when the wooden vessel, Davy Jones Locker, caught fire near Koh Tao.
At the time, at least 16 tourists, two crew members and four diving instructors were on board. Passing boats rescued them, but the Brit remained unaccounted for.
In April last year, a British backpacker was also found dead in a drain while on holiday with his girlfriend. Theo Bailey, believed to be 31 years old, went missing while on a pub crawl on the island of Koh Tao.
