German tourist drowns in Krabi rip current

PHUKET: A German tourist drowned in Krabi yesterday afternoon while swimming with his son.

Martin Hofstetter, 57, and his family checked into a bungalow resort on Koh Siboya, south of Krabi Town, on Wednesday, explained Lt Col Kittichet Kittiratanasombat of the Klong Khanan Police.

“They took a sea trip to Koh Lola and went swimming there yesterday afternoon,” Col Kittichet told the Phuket Gazette.

“They were unaware of the strong current there. Mr Hofstetter could not stop himself from being dragged out to sea.”

Mr Hofstetter’s son rushed to help his father, while his mother looked on from the shore, some 150 meters away, Col Kittichet explained.

“His son was unable to pull his father back to shore, and he started calling out for help,” he said.

“Several local villagers rushed to help. They managed to bring Mr Hofstetter back to shore, and rushed him to Nuea Klong Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Arrangements are being made to return Mr Hofstetter’s body to Germany for the funeral, Col Kittichet confirmed.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong