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Norwegian Man Becomes Latest Addition to Phuket's Secret Drowning Statistics

Thursday, November 14, 2013
PHUKET: A Norwegian man who was pulled from the sea at the southern end of Phuket's Karon Beach today has become the holiday island's latest drowning victim.

While the precise total is a secret known only to Phuket authorities, about 30 tourists and locals are believed to have drowned on Phuket's popular west coast beaches so far this year.

The total exceeds the toll for any recent year. But Public Health officials are no longer making the statistics public. Road toll statistics are also no longer being released for Phuket.

The latest victim - a 55-year-old man - was pulled from the sea opposite the Karon Sports Stadium about 2.30pm this afternoon.

Lifeguards performed cpr on the man on the beach and he was taken by ambulance to Patong Hospital, where he died.

He had been staying alone at the Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa.

Safety of tourists, residents and expats on Phuket's beaches is one of seven points raised by European Union ambassadors when they met mid-year with Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud.

Although the British Government soon after announced its support for a marine safety summit on Phuket with the governor's backing, the original anticipated date of October has passed with no announcement of a schedule.

Meanwhile, more drownings continue to occur.

The new Chinese consul general - who is also known to be concerned about the number of avoidable drownings on Phuket beaches and at day-trip destinations - meets the Governor tomorrow.

Phuketwan has been provided with the name of the Norwegian man but will not publish it until relatives have been informed of his death.

Comments

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Yet another avoidable death on Phuket. I doubt the situation will improve until tour operators start telling people about the dangers before people book travel to thailand

Posted by Barry on November 14, 2013 22:41

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30 is a hell of a lot. So sad.

Posted by Ty on November 15, 2013 07:20

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Was there. Saw it happen. With the full moon approaching the tide levels are more extreme together with rising swell.makes the rips very strong.... A lot of water moving around down there......and a lot of ppl constantly getting onto trouble in that rip

Posted by Scoopy ting tong on November 15, 2013 07:21

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He was not alone. His wife was with him and tried to save him. The resque boats were too late

Posted by His daughter on November 15, 2013 14:33

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If anyone that was with him out in the sea, reads this; please give us a hint. We would very much like to know what happend his last minutes. Thank you.

Posted by Lisa on November 15, 2013 19:47

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No red flag this day?

Posted by Jj on November 16, 2013 11:35

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No red flag. Yellow where he was swimming.

Posted by Lisa on November 17, 2013 05:31

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Please remove the picture of my father, my mother yelled at the beach; no pictures! She is strongly affended by this picture!!!

Posted by Lisa on November 17, 2013 06:07

Editor Comment:

Our aim in publishing the photograph is to try to prevent future drownings so that other families are spared your grief. There were other more revealing photographs that we chose not to publish. You have our deepest sympathy. We have not named the man but if you wish to provide your full name and address, so we can be certain of the family connection, we will certainly consider your request.

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I was in phuket last year body boarding and nearly drowned, it is extremely dangerous and had it not been for the lifeguard I'd have died. Be extremely careful people, the sea can look calm but be treacherous. It was the worst moment of my life.

Posted by ian swift on February 13, 2014 06:51


Friday March 29, 2024
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

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