The Royal Thai Navy told The Phuket News they got a report at around 11.30am that a body had been found.
It is believed Mr McCleary lost consciousness in the water.
His body was recovered and taken to Kuraburi.
American found dead in waters off Phuket
American found dead in waters off Phuket
PHUKET: The body of American tourist, William Aloysius McCleary, 78, was found floating in the water off Lek Beach today (November 27) in the Similan islands, Phang Nga.
Wednesday 27 November 2013 09:07 PM
The body of American tourist Mr McCleary is recovered.