The body, dressed in only black swimming shorts was found near in front of the Nong Lake area, near where 33-year-old Indian tourist Gaurav Mann was swept away by a strong rip current on Wednesday (July 25).
Rescue workers who recovered the body today believe that the body had been in the sea for about two days, matching the time that Mr Mann disappeared*.
The area where Mr Mann disappeared was marked with red flags indicating that it was too dangerous to enter the water at that area, and no lifeguards were stationed at that section of the beach.
The nearest lifeguard managed to pull Mr Mann’s friend to safety, but not before Mr Mann had been pulled far from the beach. (See story here.)
Meanwhile, heavy seas still plague the island’s west coast. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a strong weather warning for the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The warning is in effect until Monday (July 30).
At Surin Beach, a special warning has been issued for a dangerous steep bank on the shore line that is catching unsuspecting tourists unaware.
“Beachgoers who lose their footing can be swept out by large, angry waves,” cautioned the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA).
* Tourist Police later confirmed that the body had been identified as that of Mr Mann.