German tourist, 30, missing after being swept out to sea in Thailand

A German tourist was missing today after being swept out to sea in Thailand.

Jannik Jurgen Knobel, 30, from Viersen, was swimming with his partner Michelle Anduk, 28, when they were both struck by a rogue wave.

The holidaymakers disappeared below the water surface while they were dragged away by the powerful currents on Freedom Beach in Phuket, Thailand, on Monday afternoon.

Lifeguards quickly went out to rescue them and managed to save Michelle, but Knobel remained missing.

Police officers from the Karon district station said they received an emergency call at 3:49 pm as search teams were sent to the scene.

Rescue chief Suchart Chomklin said: 'The two tourists were playing in the water but they were swept out from the shore and could not swim back. One of them was saved but the other person is missing.

'Search teams have scoured the area for the missing man, but he has not been found.

'The incident occurred when the beach was experiencing strong waves and winds, with red flags put up to warn tourists and request their cooperation in staying out of the water.'


Officers found that Knobel had been staying at Two Villas HOLIDAY - ONYX Style Naiharn since August 5 and was scheduled to check out on August 11 with his partner

Specialist search teams from the Natural Resources and Environment office and the Royal Forest Department have joined the operation on land and sea.

Officials coordinated with police, lifeguards, fishing boats and tourism operators in the region.

At 6pm on Monday, rescuers halted the search due to insufficient light and poor weather conditions. They continued the search on Tuesday morning when conditions improved.

Th search leader said: 'The missing man's relatives have been informed and the German ambassador to Thailand is aware of the situation.'