German tourist dies in Phuket surf

PHUKET: A German man died at Patong Beach yesterday afternoon after being overwhelmed by the strong surf and two-meter-high waves.

Klaus Dieter Hermann, 76, was pulled from the surf at 1:40pm, Capt Nattaya Supanpong of the Patong Police confirmed to the Phuket Gazette.

“Lifeguards noticed Mr Hermann was swimming alone when he encountered difficulties in the big waves,” Capt Nattaya explained.

“When the lifeguards saw the waves were dragging him out into deeper water, one of them took a jet-ski out to help, but it was too late,” she said.

Mr Hermann’s body was taken to Patong Hospital to confirm the cause of death, she added.

The German embassy has been notified of the incident, Capt Nattaya confirmed.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong