UPDATE: Missing Moroccan tourist found dead at Kata Noi Beach

A Moroccan tourist who went missing after getting into difficulty in the sea at Karon Beach on 14 September was found dead at Kata Noi Beach in Karon on 16 September, according to The Phuket News.

Karon Police received a report at about 6am on 16 September that a foreign man’s body had been found on Kata Noi Beach. A friend identified the deceased as a 24-year-old Moroccan national. The Phuket News reported the death as a drowning and said the man’s name was being withheld until confirmation that his next of kin had been notified.

The man and his friend had gone swimming at Karon Beach at about 6pm on 14 September, according to the report. They later got into difficulty at about 6:40pm and called for help. Lifeguard Anurat Bualoy was alerted that two people were in difficulty and rescued the other Moroccan tourist, identified as 22-year-old Mohamed Bourhim, while his friend disappeared underwater.

Rescue divers from the Kusoldharm Foundation and other personnel searched for the missing tourist. The operation continued on 15 September from a temporary rescue command centre set up along the beach, with additional personnel and equipment mobilised in coordination with relevant agencies. Local officials visited the centre to monitor the search and support the teams and volunteers involved.

Police said legal procedures would now be carried out.