UPDATE: Searchers have located the body of 49 year old American James Everett Du Bois at midnight on Monday at Nai Han Beach. His wife has already confirmed his identity. The body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for autopsy.
EARLIER STORY: The search for an American man, missing after being swept away by strong waves at Nai Harn Beach, had to be suspended for a second night last night. Adverse conditions such as high winds and strong waves forced rescue workers to call off the attempt to locate 49 year old James Everett Du Bois.
Mr Du Bois has been missing since he took his Thai partner and 3 year old son swimming at Nai Harn beach on Sunday afternoon, June 9. It’s understood the family got into difficulty when a rip current pulled them into deeper water.
The man’s partner managed to get herself back to shore and lifeguards were able to rescue the young boy. However, they were unable to locate the boy’s father who had been pulled under by waves and disappeared.
The search continued until 8.30pm Sunday night, before it was suspended due to rough and dangerous conditions. It resumed yesterday but rescuers have so far failed to located Mr Du Bois and the search was again suspended at 8.30pm last night.
PHOTO: Daily News
A special task force has been set up, with various agencies taking part in the search, at multiple locations. They continue to be hampered by adverse conditions and the search has therefore moved from the water to combing the shoreline and rocks on foot.
Meanwhile, lifeguards on Nai Harn Beach have now placed red flags along the length of the beach following the tragedy.
