Mr Johnson’s body was found on the southern shores of Koh Raet, some 3.5 nautical miles (6.4km) from where he was last seen aboard his uncle’s yacht, ‘Demarest’.
Mr Johnson had been missing since early Sunday (June 8), when he was reported overboard from the ‘Demarest’, anchored near Naka Island at the time.
According to reports, Mr Johnson had recently arrived in Thailand after undergoing personal rehabilitation for depression in the US.
The alarm was raised after the 1465 maritime emergency hotline was informed of Mr Johnson’s disappearance at around 4am last Sunday. Despite an immediate response by local police and marine authorities, no trace of him was found that day.
The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center Region 3 (Thai MECC 3), based in Phuket, led the extensive search operation with support from multiple agencies. Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Director of Thai MECC 3, deployed patrol vessel T.272, along with jet skis and equipment provided by the Phuket Marine Office, to cover the waters north of Naka Island.
A coordination centre was later established under the direction of Pa Khlok Mayor Panya Sampaorat to coordinate a wider search. Teams were dispatched to comb coastal areas from Ao Yamu to Laem Bang Rong, while local fishing boat groups, village defense volunteers and community leaders were mobilized to search nearby islands, including Koh Naka Noi, Koh Naka Yai and Koh Yao Yai.
In addition, boat operators and crews from Bang Rong Pier, Ao Po Pier and ferry routes to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi were asked to assist in scanning the surrounding waters.
Thai MECC 3 confirmed that the body will be transported ashore for a full examination to determine the cause of death.