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More surf warnings as body of missing Belgian man washes ashore

More surf warnings as body of missing Belgian man washes ashore

PHUKET: The body of a Belgian man who was swept away by strong waves at Freedom Beach in Karon on Saturday (June 22) has been discovered, found washed ashore on Freedom Beach early this morning (June 24).

tourismSafetydeath
By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 24 June 2024 01:28 PM


A Phuket Tourist Police officer stands next to a red ’no swimming’ flag posted on Karon Beach last week. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

A Phuket Tourist Police officer stands next to a red ’no swimming’ flag posted on Karon Beach last week. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

The victim, identified as Mr Luvovadio Allan Deraut J., 28, was one of several tourists pulled out to sea by strong waves on Saturday.

Lifeguards managed to rescue two foreign tourists using jet-skis, but Mr Luvovadio was swept away.

A search for Mr Luvovadio was launched, with rescue workers brought to assist. The search has been hampered by the storm conditions along the west coast over the weekend.

Karon Police were informed at 4:30am today that the body of a foreign man had been found washed at Freedom Beach.

The body was later confirmed to be that of Mr Luvovadio. His body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town while police make the necessary arrangements.

Mr Luvovadio’s death brings Phuket’s drowning tally to five since June 9, when the southwest monsoon began its assault on Phuket’s west coast, creating dangerous strong surf and deadly strong rip currents.

Lifeguards all along Phuket’s west coast have repeatedly warned beachgoers to not enter the water where red flags are posted, marking where it is too dangerous to swim.

The warning is being repeated today.

Meanwhile, lifeguards have also confirmed the arrival of Portuguese Man o’ War, also commonly called bluebottles.

The jellyfish-similar creatures were found washed ashore at Karon and Bang Tao, meaning they could easily wash up on any other beaches along the west coast. Phuket Lifeguard Srevice has since confirmed bluebottles found washed ashore at Mai Khao.

Though not often fatal, the sting of bluebottles can be very serious and require hospital treatment,