Marine Police received the distress call at about 3pm yesterday afternoon, informing them that Japanese tourist Jun Ich Kadoriku, 61, had separated from his tour group while swimming and disappeared during a day trip tour to the island.
“Marine Police and and a rescue team were dispatched and located Mr Kadoriku,” said Lt Ronap̣hoom Phiamphoon of the Phuket City Police.
“He was unresponsive and rescue workers performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while rushing him back to Phuket, where Mr Kadoriku was brought ashore at Rassada Pier.
However, Mr Kadoriku was pronounced dead on arrival at the Provincial Hospital in Rassada, Lt Ronap̣hoom added.
“Although we believe Mr Kadoriku drowned, especially as no wounds or signs of assault were found on the body, we are continuing our investigation into the circumstances of his death,” Lt Ronap̣hoom said.