Russian honeymoon tourist in Phuket dies after dangerous surf rescue

PHUKET: A young Russian tourist on honeymoon in Phuket died earlier today after she was pulled unconscious from dangerous surf at Nai Thon Beach late yesterday afternoon.

Irina Tsyz, 24, was swimming with her husband Alexander Ovsov, 25, when she started to flounder in the large waves, Tah Chat Chai police told the Phuket Gazette.

“It was windy and she succumbed to the large waves,” he said.

Lifeguard Natthakit Srijan, 20, nearly drowned trying to rescue her.

Fellow lifeguards on the beach saw them in trouble and rushed to the rescue.

The lifeguards reached Mr Natthakit first and pulled him ashore.

He was rushed to Thalang Hospital by Kusoldham Rescue Foundation rescue workers.

Other lifeguards raced to Mrs Tsyz, but she was already unconscious by the time they got her back to the beach.

Mrs Tsyz was rushed to Thalang Hospital by ambulance and later transferred to Phuket International Hospital in Phuket Town.

Mr Natthakit last night regained consciousness and is still recovering in hospital.

However, Mrs Tsyz never regained consciousness and died earlier today.

“We were notified of her death by an employee at Naithonburi Beach Resort [where the couple were staying] at 2pm,” the police said.

— Wichai Wittawat / Chutharat Ple