A TOURIST drowned late on Wednesday on Patong beach.
The tourist, from Turkey, was on the beach with his wife, enjoying the sunset, before he disappeared in the darkness, around 7pm.
The Turkish Embassy in Bangkok today named the man as Deniz Coban, 33. The couple were holidaying on Phuket with friends.
Mr Coban was on the technical staff at Turkish Airlines. It is believed the airline, which has a Bangkok office, was taking care of all arrangements.
Phuketwan was told by a policeman from Kathu station that he was alerted to the drowning when he received a telephone call from Patong Hospital later in the evening.
The policeman said he went to the hospital and viewed the man's body. He interviewed Mrs Coban, who told him she and her husband were sitting on the beach, enjoying the sunset.
Her husband then decided on one last swim, and went into the water.
Jetski and parasailing staff at the northern end of the beach had already advised the couple not to swim, the policeman said.
The same people who told them not to swim pulled the man's body from the sea, the policeman said.
Most beaches, including Patong, have been signposted with warnings of the dangers of swimming, except where lifeguards are present, and yellow flags are flying.
Four people, two of them tourists, drowned within three days earlier this month, sparking moves by authorities to improve warnings and safeguards on the beaches.
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Photo Album A rescue drill involving a gps system and aircraft support was carried out on Patong beach today to demonstrate what should happen when tourists strike trouble at sea.
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The tourist, from Turkey, was on the beach with his wife, enjoying the sunset, before he disappeared in the darkness, around 7pm.
The Turkish Embassy in Bangkok today named the man as Deniz Coban, 33. The couple were holidaying on Phuket with friends.
Mr Coban was on the technical staff at Turkish Airlines. It is believed the airline, which has a Bangkok office, was taking care of all arrangements.
Phuketwan was told by a policeman from Kathu station that he was alerted to the drowning when he received a telephone call from Patong Hospital later in the evening.
The policeman said he went to the hospital and viewed the man's body. He interviewed Mrs Coban, who told him she and her husband were sitting on the beach, enjoying the sunset.
Her husband then decided on one last swim, and went into the water.
Jetski and parasailing staff at the northern end of the beach had already advised the couple not to swim, the policeman said.
The same people who told them not to swim pulled the man's body from the sea, the policeman said.
Most beaches, including Patong, have been signposted with warnings of the dangers of swimming, except where lifeguards are present, and yellow flags are flying.
Four people, two of them tourists, drowned within three days earlier this month, sparking moves by authorities to improve warnings and safeguards on the beaches.
Safety Flags, Guards Dot Risky Phuket Beaches
Beach Safety Photo Album Safety first seemed to be the message all along Phuket beaches this week after the needless deaths of four people within three days.
Safety Flags, Guards Dot Risky Phuket Beaches
Phuket Drownings: Warn Guests, Resorts Told
Latest Phuket's Governor tells the British Ambassador that beach safety is being improved after a spate of drownings. But the ambassador wants more action from the island's resorts, too.
Phuket Drownings: Warn Guests, Resorts Told
Phuket Drownings: Rescue Courses Coming
Latest With four drownings within days, Phuket needs more courses and commitment of the kind coming in July at one resort where the safety of guests is a year long priority.
Phuket Drownings: Rescue Courses Coming
Summer on Phuket: Stop the Needless Drownings
Opinion/Analysis Too many people are drowning off Phuket, simply because warning and rescue systems are not in place. Messages are mixed. Getting safety right must be the priority.
Summer on Phuket: Stop the Needless Drownings
All Safe in Patong Emergency Rescue Practice
Photo Album A rescue drill involving a gps system and aircraft support was carried out on Patong beach today to demonstrate what should happen when tourists strike trouble at sea.
All Safe in Patong Emergency Rescue Practice
Englishman Drowns at Karon, 'Girlfriend Expecting'
Updating News The girlfriend of an Englishman who has drowned at Karon beach on Phuket is flying home alone and pregnant, Phuketwan has learned. It's the third drowning in a week.
Englishman Drowns at Karon, 'Girlfriend Expecting'
Same story, different day. Even speaking directly to them does not help. Sit back and enjoy the sunset view. Our apologies for the drowning tourist spoiling your view, picture perfect will resume after ten minutes or so.
Posted by Graham on June 25, 2009 13:38