Drowning confirmed as cause of Russian tourist death

PHUKET: Autopsy results have confirmed drowning as the cause of death of Russian tourist Andrey Khabrin, who appeared to suffer a seizure after swimming at Kata Beach on Saturday morning.

Mr Khabrin, 37, fainted after swimming in front of the Kata Beach Resort, where he, his wife and a cousin were staying on holiday.

After he lost consciousness, he was rushed to the intensive care unit of Patong Hospital where doctors were unable to revive him.

Pol Lt Anukul Nuket of the Chalong Police told the Gazette this morning that autopsy had confirmed drowning as the cause of death.

Cases of ‘secondary drowning’, sometimes described as ‘dry drowning’, are rare but not unknown.

A ten-year-old boy in South Carolina died in June last year of secondary drowning a full hour after ingesting water into his lungs while swimming.

Secondary drowning can result when fluid accumulates in the lungs.

This can lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly.

Even very small amounts of water entering the lungs can be fatal.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan