Uzbekistan tourist dies after ignoring rip current warning in Phuket

A strong rip current at Kata Noi Beach in Phuket claimed the life of a 41 year old Uzbekistan tourist. He was declared dead at Chalong Hospital yesterday afternoon following his encounter with the deadly current. His death was reported to Karon Police around 3.30pm.

An investigation into Sadullo Tashtemirovich Saidov’s unfortunate demise revealed that he, along with a group of 10 friends, was staying at a nearby resort. The group had checked in on May 5 and planned to leave on May 12. Saidov reportedly decided to go for a swim alone at midday yesterday.

Despite being warned by a hotel security guard about the red flag area indicating the presence of strong waves, Saidov proceeded to swim anyway, ignoring the cautionary advice. Briefly after entering the water, he was caught in a rip current, which began pulling him away from the shore.

Reports indicate that Saidov attempted to call for help and swim back to the beach. However, the strength of the current proved too much for him. He eventually lost his energy and was seen floating face-down in the water, reported The Phuket News.

Lifeguards at the scene managed to retrieve Saidov from the water. However, when he was brought back to the shore, his pulse was weak. Despite performing CPR and calling for rescue workers, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Upon arrival at Chalong Hospital, he was pronounced dead.

In related news, a foreign woman’s body was discovered floating in the waters off Freedom Beach on May 1. Karon police received word of the grim find around 2.45pm.

A subsequent recovery mission was swiftly assembled, with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers utilising a rubber dinghy to retrieve the body and transport it ashore near Nong Harn Lake in Karon.

The deceased is thought to be a foreign woman aged between 25 and 30 years old. Her dark skin, short black curly hair, and towering height of approximately 180 centimetres were reported.