Rescue workers from the Phuket Ruam Jai Foundation confirmed that the body was discovered this morning (Sept 22) lodged among rocks at the southern end of Karon Beach.
The Karon Municipality ‘Sam Ao’ (‘Three Bays’) rescue unit received the initial report. They in turn informed the Karon Police.
The victim was identified as Jasim Abdali Almeshkhas, a Bahraini national who disappeared while swimming with his brothers despite red warning flags posted along the beach.
At about 6:30pm on Friday, Mr Almeshkhas entered the water with his younger brothers Ahmed Ramadan Almeshkhas, 32, and Mohamed Ramadan Almeshkhas. Powerful waves quickly pulled the three into deep water, prompting an urgent rescue effort.
Lifeguards managed to bring Ahmed and Mohamed safely back to shore. Mohamed sustained minor injuries and was taken to Patong Hospital for treatment. Jasim, however, was swept away and could not be located despite continuous search operations over the weekend.
Following the discovery of the body, Karon Municipality officials coordinated with a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital to conduct a preliminary examination before the body was transferred to the hospital for a full post-mortem examination. The Bahraini Embassy has been informed, Karon Police said.
Police confirmed that the three brothers had arrived in Phuket on Sept 14 and were staying at a hotel in Patong. Red warning flags were clearly displayed along the beach at the time of the incident, indicating dangerous rip currents common during the southwest monsoon season.
Authorities have again urged beachgoers to strictly heed red-flag warnings and avoid swimming in hazardous surf.