Melbourne man drowns while on holiday in Thailand

A twenty-two-year old Melbourne man has drowned in a boating tragedy at a popular holiday hotspot of the coast of Phuket in Thailand.

A young Melbourne man has drowned in a boating tragedy in Thailand. Picture: Alex Tilbury

A young Melbourne man has drowned in a Thailand boating tragedy.

The 22-year-old was reportedly out diving off a boat while heavily intoxicated during a boating tour at the popular holiday hotspot.

Local Thai media reported the Victorian man had jumped off a Marinda 2 boat at Koh Racha Yai, an island off the coast of Phuket on May 6.

The Melbourne man is believed to have been dragged underwater as he attempted to paddle against a strong current.

Paramedics were seen performing CPR on the man after he was dragged on to the boat unresponsive.

He was rushed to a local Thai hospital where he died.

Police lieutenant colonel Kanen Somrak of Chalong Police Station told local Thai media the victim had been drinking.

“The victim had consumed a large amount of alcohol before entering the water,” he said.

“He was reportedly intoxicated and repeatedly jumped in and out of the sea before eventually drowning.

“No illegal substances were found at the scene. Only empty alcohol beverage bottles were discovered.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the man’s death to the Saturday Herald Sun.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Thailand,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”

The Melbourne man’s body is reportedly being kept at the Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Originally published as Melbourne man drowns while on holiday in Thailand