Overview
- Thai rescue teams recovered the 30-year-old German man’s body near rocks off Freedom Beach after a multi-hour search that was paused overnight due to high waves and poor visibility.
- The man and a 28-year-old German companion were swept out by a strong current after entering the water, and lifeguards rescued the woman while the man initially went missing.
- Officials reported that red warning flags were flying on the beach when the pair entered the sea, signaling dangerous conditions during the island’s monsoon season.
- Karon police have taken over the investigation and the body was sent to Vachira-Phuket Hospital for autopsy while the Environment Ministry coordinated search support.
- Environment Ministry officials said they will work with the German embassy to notify next of kin and the case underlines recurring safety risks from rip currents on Phuket beaches during the May–October rainy season.