The elderly man was swimming at Lanta Pura Beach Resort on Koh Lanta Island when he clutched his chest and got into difficulty in the water – he was later pronounced dead
A British pensioner has died while swimming in Thailand, just metres from where his wife was sunbathing. The 91-year-old was taking a dip at Lanta Pura Beach Resort on Koh Lanta Island when tragedy struck on December 2.
He had reportedly been enjoying the water for about an hour before grabbing his chest and finding himself in distress. Lifeguards rushed to help after spotting the man battling to remain above water before disappearing beneath the waves.
They managed to drag him from the sea onto the nearby shore where his wife had been relaxing, but discovered his body was already lifeless, reports the Express. Police Lieutenant Pongkorn Chuwait from Koh Lanta Police Station revealed the gentleman had a pacemaker installed but no other health complications were identified.
He said: “A background check revealed that the deceased had no underlying medical conditions, but had a pacemaker implanted in his chest. His wife is not suspicious of the cause of death. The body was sent to the hospital for a postmortem examination.”
The pair had reportedly touched down in the country on November 28 and were nearing the end of their holiday when the incident happened.
This heartbreaking incident marks the second fatal drowning involving Britons in the nation within the past week. On November 29, a 37-year-old British father perished in Phuket whilst swimming alongside his partner at a well-known beach.
Jason Mark Lambert from Ipswich was tragically swept away by a powerful wave and a rip current while swimming at Freedom Beach. Despite the frantic rescue attempts by fellow tourists, the father-of-one could not be resuscitated. He was paddling near the shore with his wife when the tragic incident occurred around 11.30am.
Two other swimmers were also dragged out to sea simultaneously, but they were fortunately rescued and brought back to the beach alive.
Witness Chariya Thaweerat Howells, 31, recounted how initial efforts were focused on the two swimmers who were calling for help, which unfortunately meant Mr Lambert’s plight went unnoticed.
She said: “The sea looked rough and we had only been there a few minutes when we heard cries for help.
“Everyone ran to assist. A Thai man launched a kayak and managed to reach the two struggling tourists and get them safely to shore.
“Only then did people realise a third man was being washed in. By the time they dragged him onto the sand his face was already pale and yellowish.”
Dr Punthanika Chaithienthong of Patong Hospital conducted a preliminary examination and concluded that the cause of death was accidental drowning. The British Embassy has been notified and the family has not disputed the findings.
Mr Lambert’s body has been released to his family for repatriation and funeral preparations.