Chinese tourist drowns
PATONG: Strong waves claimed the life Chinese tourist Wing Wong, 40, who drowned at Patong Beach about 1:30 pm yesterday.
Sub Lt Naruwat Puthawiro, duty investigator of Kathu Police Station, today told the Gazette, “He and his friends were swimming at Patong Beach. Although I have yet to question his friends, at that time there were strong waves. I suspect that Wing Wong was probably tired and drowned.
“His body is at Patong Hospital, waiting for relatives to collect for his funeral,” Sub Lt Naruwat added.
About 1:30 pm Sunday, a female Korean teenager swam into difficulties and had to be rescued from the strong surf at Kata.
An official at the Phuket Tourist Rescue Center told the Gazette that the young woman was swimming with about four male friends. “While they were swimming, the girl was caught in a dangerous rip tide and she started struggling and disappearing below the surface, and she took in some sea water.”
“We rescued her and took her up to the beach. She was in shock but still conscious. Although she seemed not to be in a serious condition we took her to Phuket International Hospital,” the fficial said.
