Search continues after swimmer swept out to sea off Naithon Beach

A search was continuing off Naithon Beach in Phuket on Saturday after a man was swept out to sea in strong winds, with red warning flags raised along the shore. The missing swimmer, believed to be a Thai man about 20 years old, was last seen at about 6.30pm on Friday, officials said.

Lifeguard describes last sighting in outer wave zone

Lifeguard Pongphitak Pratheep Na Thalang, 18, said he was patrolling between the wooden bridge and a public park to clear the beach when he saw the man struggling in the outer wave zone during low tide and strong currents.

He said he ran to get rescue fins, but the swimmer had disappeared by the time he returned. Authorities later searched the area but could not find him, and the operation was suspended at 7pm before plans were made to continue.

Naithon Beach is known for rip currents that can quickly pull weak swimmers offshore, the lifeguard said.

Rough seas limit search as police hold car found nearby

A search centre was set up on Saturday under tambon Sakhu chief Trin Panyawai, with rescue workers, emergency personnel and volunteers joining the effort.

Rough sea conditions prevented a water search, forcing teams to focus on the shoreline instead.

Lifeguards had raised red flags on Friday morning and walked the beach warning people not to enter the water because of monsoon conditions, strong winds and approaching storms. They said two similar incidents in the same area the previous day ended in time for successful rescues.

Officials also found a silver Toyota Camry with Chiang Rai licence plate กธ 4336 near the scene and believe it belongs to the missing man. The car was taken to Sakhu Police Station while officials work to identify him and contact his relatives.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3256060/man-swept-out-to-sea-amid-strong-winds-in-phuket