A GERMAN man holidaying in Thailand drowned after being pulled further into the sea by large waves that pounded Phuket’s Freedom beach yesterday (Aug. 10) while six other tourists narrowly escaped death after being caught in strong currents off Nai Thon beach today, TV Channel 7 and NBT World said,
Rescuers have found the body of the German man, identified as Mr. Jannik Jürgen Knobel, who went missing amid rough seas off Phuket during the current low season with authorities saying that some tourists ignore warnings and red flags posted at risky beach stretches and opt to swim in the sea anyway.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Forestry Department to mobilise personnel after receiving a report of the missing tourist from Mr. Nikorn Sirarotchananon, this department’s chief, at round 3:49 p.m. yesterday prompting police, rescue teams, local authorities, and disaster-response personnel to begin a coordinated search.
The operation was suspended at about 6 p.m. because of fading daylight and hazardous sea conditions that could endanger rescue personnel and resumed today.
This ministry is coordinating with the German Embassy to inform the drowned tourist’s family.
Meanwhile, this morning a similar incident occurred at Nai Thon beach, Thalang district, when six foreign tourists went swimming before being swept away by strong currents and waves, leaving them in a dangerous situation. Lifeguards and volunteers rushed to the scene and rescued them amid waves approximately two- to three-metres high and strong winds.
One volunteer lifeguard revealed that a recurring problem is that some foreign tourists ignore warnings from officials, despite beach rules and prohibitions being explained to them.
Sometimes, tourists even become upset and verbally abuse the officials because they believe that the presence of lifeguards on the beach means they can swim. In reality, lifeguards being there does not guarantee sea safety.
Especially during rough seas, officials designate no-swimming areas and use red flags to warn of danger, but some tourists still sneak past the officials and swim on the other side of the beach.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Warning flags and big waves at a Phuket beach. Photo – TV Channel 7
Insert: Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and passport image of the drowned tourist. Photo – NBT World
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