A Russian man has become the latest victim of the island’s rip currents prevalent at this time of year. The Phuket News reports that the 34 year old tourist drowned at Bang Tao Beach yesterday. It’s understood he arrived on the island last Saturday, September 23. His name is being withheld until next-of-kin have been informed.
According to the report, the man was one of 3 people caught in a strong rip current about 200 metres from shore. Lifeguards dispatched a jet-ski and were able to rescue two of the swimmers, but the Russian man was already face down and unconscious in the water.
Lifeguards rushed him to shore and administered CPR but failed to revive him. He was then transferred to Thalang Hospital, with CPR efforts continuing en route. However, the man was formally pronounced dead shortly after.
Cherngtalay Police were informed of the incident at around 1.40pm and are liaising with the Russian Embassy and Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a post-mortem is being carried out before the man’s body is returned to his family.
Meanwhile, lifeguards are again calling on people to only swim in designated “Safe Swim” areas, which are clearly marked with yellow and red flags. Swimmers are urged to stay out of the water where red flags warn of conditions too dangerous for swimming.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
