Police were notified of the incident at 2pmm, but by the time police arrived with Ruamjai rescue workers, the man, identified as Su Fuhai from Beijing, was unresponsive on the beach.
“Witnesses told police that they saw the man swimming near the rocks, then a huge wave hit him and he disappeared into the water,” said Maj Patiwat Yodkwan of the Karon Police.
Lifeguards recovered Mr Su, unconscious from the near the rocks, and brought him to shore.
Attempts were made to revive him, but he remained not responsive, Maj Patiwat noted in his report.
“Mr Su was in Phuket with his family and we will notify the embassy,” Maj Patiwat said.