Pol Lt Wutthiwat Liangboonjida of the Chalong Police told The Phuket News that he first became aware of the incident when staffers at the Tourist Rescue Centre reported at about midday that a tour company speedboat had arrived at Chalong Pier with the body of a Chines man.
The man, later identified as Ju Zekal, 24, was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of the yet-to-be-built Chalong Hospital (click here), where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police believe Mr Ju drowned.
“His female partner told police that Mr Ju entered the water to swim alone,” said Lt Wutthiwat.
“Later, when she went to check on him, he was found face down unconscious in the water,” he said.
“People nearby tried to revive Mr Ju, but to no avail,” he added.