UPDATE: Two foreigners and a Thai woman have died in recent days off the island’s northern beaches, at Surin and Mai Khao. A Russian man drowned off Turin Beach on Sunday (details below). Meanwhile, today the body of a 45 year old American and 29 year old Thai woman have been found washed ashore, having originally entered the water at Mai Khao. More details in tomorrow morning’s news.
The American, James Newman, was the second US citizen to drown off Phuket’s west coast in the past week.
ORIGINAL STORY: A Russian man who ignored warning flags placed at Surin Beach has drowned.
The 63 year old unnamed man drowned yesterday afternoon, June 16, despite lifeguards’ attempts to save him. It’s understood the man was at the beach alone and entered the water, ignoring the presence of red “no swimming” flags, according to The Phuket News.
He was quickly overpowered by the waves and became exhausted. By the time lifeguards were able to get him out of the water, he was unconscious, with his rescuers unable to locate a pulse.
At this time of the year – June to November – winds can pick up along the west coast creating a nasty onshore surf break.
Lifeguards made several CPR attempts and Chergntalay Police were alerted at around 3pm. Rescuers from the Surin Beach Rescue Unit arrived on the scene and continued CPR as the man was being transported to Thalang Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to the report, the man was staying at a condo near the beach. The authorities are now in contact with the Russian Embassy to inform next-of-kin.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
