KO PHA-NGAN, THAILAND – A 45-year-old Israeli tourist drowned off the holiday island after saving his son from dangerous currents, despite a large search operation.
Family holiday turns tragic
Sagi Mor had been on vacation on Ko Pha-ngan with his wife and their four children when the sea conditions suddenly became perilous. The apparent idyll turned dangerous as strong waves and currents developed near the shore.
“He called out to his wife that he would try to swim to the nearby rocks,”
said the Israeli broadcaster Kan.
Father saves son from powerful currents
Moments earlier, Mor’s son had been struggling in the heavy surf, caught in life-threatening currents. The father immediately entered the water to rescue the child and managed to reach him. He then passed the boy to another tourist who had rushed in to help, ensuring the child’s safety.
Deadly wave pulls rescuer under
At that moment, a strong current and a heavy wave dragged Mor down and held him under the surface. He did not reappear, and his rescue of his son became his final act. Witnesses later described the sea conditions at the time as extremely rough and hazardous for any rescue attempt.
Large search effort by tourists and expats
A major search operation began immediately after Mor disappeared. More than 160 Israeli tourists and expats joined the effort, scouring the coastline on foot and by boat.
“We combed the coast on foot and with boats,”
said one helper, adding that rough seas and strong winds hampered the work of rescuers.
Body recovered and identified
The search was suspended overnight and resumed the next morning with even more volunteers but initially without success. On Thursday, 20 November, the operation ended tragically when Mor’s body was recovered and officially identified. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident and announced that it would organize the repatriation of the body to Israel.
Family expresses gratitude in mourning
In a moving statement, Mor’s wife Inbal thanked all those who had helped search for her husband.
“In these difficult hours I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,”
said his wife Inbal in her declaration. The death turned the family’s beach vacation into a tragedy that resonated across the tourist community.
Authorities warn of dangerous sea conditions
Eyewitnesses reported extremely rough sea conditions at the time of the accident, making the rescue efforts life-threatening for volunteers. Ko Pha-ngan had been experiencing unpredictable weather in recent days, with high waves and strong currents along its shores. Authorities explicitly warned holidaymakers about dangerous currents and heavy surf, urging caution for anyone entering the water.