Two Australian Tourists Die in Separate Drowning Incidents Off the Coast of Phuket, Thailand

Emergency responders secured the man's body with rope and pulled it from the sea

Tragedy has struck the popular Thai resort island of Phuket, as two Australian tourists have died in separate drowning incidents just days apart. The body of an unidentified male, believed to be a 41-year-old Australian, was discovered floating approximately 65 feet from shore at Freedom Beach, a tourist hotspot known for its scenic beauty and strong sea currents.

The man had been reported missing by his wife on May 7. His near-nude body, clad only in black underpants, was spotted by the chief lifeguard during a morning patrol. Authorities from Karon Police Station responded promptly, securing the body with ropes and retrieving it from the turbulent waters. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit confirmed that the family had been notified and stated that the man likely succumbed to the strong sea currents that overpowered his ability to return to shore.

An Australian man has reportedly been pulled from the water, after going missing while on holiday in Thailand

"Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide," he cautioned. The body was transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a formal autopsy is pending.

In a separate and equally tragic incident just a day earlier, on May 6, 24-year-old Corey Walsh, a tradesman from Frankston, Melbourne, died after diving off a tour boat near Koh Racha Yai, an island south of Phuket popular for snorkelling and diving excursions. Walsh, who was reportedly intoxicated, repeatedly jumped into the water before being overwhelmed by the strong current.

Melbourne roof plumber Corey Walsh, 22, (pictured) died while holidaying in Thailand

He was eventually pulled from the water unconscious and unresponsive at approximately 2:28 p.m. local time. Emergency personnel onboard the tour boat, Marinda 2, administered CPR before rushing him by ambulance to Chalong Hospital, a 15-minute drive from the port. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Walsh was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kanen Somrak of Chalong Police Station confirmed that Walsh had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before the incident and was one of seven foreign tourists on the boat. No illegal substances were discovered at the scene, though an empty alcohol bottle was found.

The back-to-back incidents have raised renewed concerns about tourist safety in Thailand’s coastal waters, particularly during rough sea conditions and among individuals engaging in aquatic activities while under the influence of alcohol.

Mr Walsh tragically drowned after he dove off a tour boat and into the water off the coast of Koh Racha Yai while reportedly intoxicated (pictured, tour boat at Racha Yai Island)