Austrian drowns at Patong beach

PATONG: Austrian Herbert Kodat, 60, drowned off Loma Park at Patong Beach on Monday afternoon. According to witnesses, Mr Kodat went for a dip to cool off after sunbathing. He swam out about 30 meters from the shore. A jet-ski operator sitting on the beach saw Mr Kodat waving for help and went to rescue him, but by the time the jet-ski got there, he was unconscious. The operator brought him back to the beach where he began resuscitation. Mr Kodat was then rushed to Patong Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is being held at Thalang hospital pending instructions from relatives.