Search continues for missing swimmer off Phuket's Naithon Beach
» PHUKET: A search was under way off Naithon Beach for a man who went missing after being swept out to sea amid strong winds. The missing man, believed to be a Thai national aged about 20, was last seen around 6.30pm on…
A search was under way off Naithon Beach in Phuket on Saturday for a swimmer who went missing after being swept out to sea in strong winds. The missing man is believed to be a Thai national about 20 years old, and a lifeguard said he was last seen at about 6.30pm on Friday.
Lifeguard saw man struggling in outer wave zone
The lifeguard said he was on patrol when he spotted the man struggling in the outer wave zone during low tide and strong currents.
He said the swimmer was carried farther offshore before rescuers could reach him.
An initial search did not find the man. Authorities suspended that effort at 7pm and planned to resume operations later.
Rough seas blocked water search on Saturday
A team was assembled on Saturday to try to locate the missing swimmer, but rough sea conditions prevented the launch of a water search.
Officials were forced to limit the operation to a shoreline sweep because conditions offshore were too dangerous for boats.
The west coast beach is known for rip currents, the lifeguard said. Those currents can quickly pull weak swimmers away from shore.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3256388/swimmer-missing-off-phuket
