Police confirmed that the victim* had arrived in Phuket only the day before with his brother, sister and brother-in-law.
Patong Police reported that the group entered the water behind the Tourist Police office north of Bangla Rd at about 2:30am, ignoring the red flag warnings in place.
The man’s sister was swept out by the current and struggled to return to shore. The man and his sister’s husband rushed to help her and managed to push her to safety. However, both men became trapped in the current themselves.
Rescue personnel pulled all three back to shore and rushed them to Patong Hospital. The Frenchman was pronounced dead on arrival, while his brother-in-law remained in hospital under resuscitation efforts. The man’s sister survived the ordeal.
Patong Police confirmed the incident and said the death has been recorded while relatives arrange the necessary documents for a death certificate.
Red flags were flying at Patong yesterday, warning tourists against entering the water due to dangerous conditions.
* The man’s name has been withheld at the family’s request.