Lifeguards at the beach became aware of the Russian man’s plight early yesterday afternoon and dispatched a jet-ski to render assistance.
The man*, later identified as a Russian tourist who arrived in Phuket last Saturday (Sept 23), was one of three people caught in the strong rip current together about 200 metres from the shore, lifeguards reported.
Two of the people were able to be safely rescued, but the Russian man was already unconscious face down in the water.
Lifeguards rushed him to shore, where he was administered CPR. The man remained unconscious and unresponsive, but lifeguards and rescue workers at the beach continued their efforts to revive him.
The man was rushed to Thalang Hospital, with CPR continued en route, but the man was formally pronounced dead soon after.
Pol Lt Col Yuthaphon Wattanaset of the Cherng Talay Police was informed of the incident at 1:40pm.
Police are now coordinating with doctors at Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted, and the Russian embassy to have the man’s body returned to his family.
Lifeguards continue to urge all people to swim only in ’Safe Swim’ areas marked by yellow-red flags.
All beachgoers are urged to not enter the water where red flags are posted, marking where the water is too dangerous to swim.
* The Phuket News is withholding the man’s name until it has been confirmed that his next of kin have been notified.