Lifeguards conducting a shoreline search early today discovered the body, believed to be that of Mr Dhaher Suhayb Mohammed S, in front of the beach at the southern end of Sirinat National Park. He was wearing only swimming trunks.
Cherng Talay Police, along with rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation’s Mueang Mai unit, responded to the scene and recovered the body for an initial examination. It was later transferred to a forensic doctor to confirm the identity and determine the exact cause of death.
The Saudi Embassy was notified and Mr Dhaher’s relatives have since come forward to collect the body for religious rites.
Mr Dhaher disappeared on Saturday afternoon after being swept out to sea while swimming with friends at Bang Tao Beach. He had been visiting the beach with three other Saudi nationals.
According to a report by Cherng Talay Police, three members of the group entered the water around 4pm and were soon seen signalling for help as they struggled in strong currents. Local residents rushed to assist and managed to pull two men to safety, but Mr Dhaher could not be located.
Police were notified at 5:30pm and a search was immediately launched, continuing into the evening and over the following days. Strong surf and shifting tides hindered rescue efforts.
Jet-ski operator missing off Naka Yai
Meanwhile, search efforts are underway for a 22-year-old jet-ski operator who fell into the sea and went missing off Naka Yai Island yesterday evening (July 27).
The man, identified as Jessadawut Hom from Pa Khlok, was reported missing at 7:10pm after he fell from a jet-ski into the sea near Naka Yai Island, offshore from Pa Khlok, on the east coast of Phuket. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time.
According to the initial report, Mr Chetthawut was working as a jet-ski operator for Kai Naka Co Ltd when the incident occurred. He reportedly fell overboard while operating the watercraft.
Warisara Muthametharit, who witnessed the incident, alerted police at Thalang Police Station. Officers coordinated with local agencies and dive teams to begin a search operation, but as of this morning the man has yet to be found.
A search centre has been established in the area, with efforts continuing in coordination with various provincial and local agencies.
Thalang Police confirmed the incident was under investigation, with Pol Lt Col Anukul Nuket and Pol Lt Col Warawut Seb Sob overseeing the case under the direction of Thalang Police Superintendent Pol Col Nikorn Chuathong.
The case is being handled by Cherng Talay Police under the direction of Superintendent Pol Col Ekkarat Phlaiduang, with Pol Lt Col Kittipong Nupheng serving as the lead investigator.
Police have reminded tourists and locals alike to exercise extreme caution when swimming, particularly during the current southwest monsoon season, when rip currents are frequent along Phuket’s west coast.