Waves drag musician from iconic Phuket cape, search efforts postponed

PHUKET: High waves forced rescue workers to abandon their search for a musician who was swept from the rocks near Promthep Cape this afternoon.

Somchai Yung-Talay, 30, was visiting Phuket from Koh Yao Yai with his girlfriend when he was struck by a large wave and dragged out to sea while fishing.

“Witnesses saw the man in the sea trying to swim. They ran to help him, but he disappeared beneath the waves,” Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos told the Phuket Gazette.

Phuket Provincial Administration Office (PPAO) and Rawai Municipality officers had more than 10 people searching for Mr Somchai by boat and jet-ski.

However, the rough sea forced them to abandoned their search, Mr Aroon said.

Officers are expected to renew their efforts tomorrow.

— Woranut Pechdee