British tourist drowns in front of his wife while swimming on holiday in Thailand
A British tourist who was swept away by the current on a beach in Thailand died in front of his wife’s eyes.
The victim, a 37-year-old from Ipswich, was dragged underwater while swimming at a popular tourist spot in Phuket.
Local police said other visitors to Freedom Beach came to his aid and tried to save him with CPR during the incident on Saturday, November 29, but he could not be resuscitated.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Mekchai from Patong Police Station said: “The incident occurred at around 11.30am and we were notified an hour later.
“He went to the beach with his wife around 10:00. While swimming, he was swept away by strong waves and disappeared underwater.”
The victim, who was said to have arrived in Thailand ten days earlier, was not the only person who got into trouble during the incident. Mirror.
Witness Chariya Thaweerat Howells said two other swimmers struggled in the water but were rescued by a man who threw a canoe to help them.
“The sea looked rough and we had only been there for a few minutes when we heard cries for help,” he said.
“Everyone rushed to help. A Thai man launched the canoe and managed to reach the two stranded tourists and bring them safely to shore. Only then did people realize that a third man had also been dragged into the water.”
According to local media reports, an autopsy was performed at Patong Hospital and the man’s body was handed over to his family for funeral arrangements.
A spokesman for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Thailand and are in contact with local authorities.”
father of one child fourth tourist The Thai Examiner said they would die off the coast of southern Thailand for three days.
The others were a 69-year-old Russian who died of unspecified causes, possibly a heart condition, a 65-year-old Russian who drowned while snorkeling, and a 69-year-old Canadian who died from snorkeling, also at a separate beach.
A previous series of deaths in Phuket earlier this year had raised concerns about the alleged lack of proper safety and security measures on the island.
At least four people have died in just one week after being swept away by strong currents during the monsoon season, prompting local authorities to take stricter security measures.
Eyewitnesses told Thai Examiner At that time, red flags were not raised on the beach to warn tourists of potentially dangerous waves.
