Chinese tourist drowns in Phuket no-swim zone

PHUKET: A Chinese tourist drowned after being swept out to sea in a red-flag zone on Karon Beach yesterday, confirmed police.

Chunhua Qi, 43, was rushed to Patong Hospital after lifeguards were able to recover him. He was pronounced dead by doctors.

“According to the tour leader, Mr Qi was swimming when a wave suddenly came and washed him away,” said Lt Col Jongserm Preecha of the Patong Police. “Lifeguards were immediately notified.”

It took lifeguards about five to 10 minutes to reach Mr Qi, who had been swimming in a no-swim zone that was not being closely monitored, explained Kata-Karon chief lifeguard Uten Singsom.

Related news

“Red flags were already in place, meaning no one was allowed to swim. However, tourist just disobey the rules,” Mr Uten said. “Lifeguards do their best to help tourists, but please do not forget that lifeguards risk their lives when they have to save tourists who put themselves in dangerous situations.”

The Chinese consulate has been notified of Mr Qi’s death.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong

Hua Hin NewsPhuket News

Thaiger Talk

Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.

Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.

Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Legacy Phuket Gazette

Archiving articles from the Phuket Gazette circa 1998 - 2017. View the Phuket Gazette online archive and Digital Gazette PDF Prints.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Check Also
Close