Roman Yorosov, 43, was pronounced dead on arrival at Patong Hospital after lifeguards recovered him from the dangerous surf near the Naga statute about halfway along the beach, said Capt Weerayuth Thansirisukworakul of the Karon Police.
Capt Weerayuth arrived with fellow police officers and rescue workers after being notified of the incident at about 3:30pm.
Rescue workers administered CPR to Mr Yorosov before transporting him to Patong Hospital where he was pronounce dead upon arrival, Capt Weerayuth said.
“His wife said they came to the beach together, and while she was sunbathing while Mr Yorosov went into the water for a swim,” Capt Weerayuth explained.
“She said that when she looked up, Mr Yorosov was missing,” he added.
The couple arrived in Phuket on Thursday (Sept 22) and were due to leave on October 3, Capt Weerayuth said.
The Russian Embassy has been notified of Mr Yorosov’s death, he noted.