PHUKET, Thailand – Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered the Thai Forest Department to throw all resources into the hunt for missing German Jannik Juergen Knobel (30) at Freedom Beach. The tourist vanished on August 10 after wading into heavy surf.
The 30-year-old German national went missing after swimming at Freedom Beach on August 10. Officials received the report at around 3.49 pm. At the time, strong waves and dangerous currents battered the shoreline.
Red flags warned against swimming
Red flags flew along the beach. They warned visitors to stay out of the water because of the rough sea. According to MGR Online, two German tourists got into trouble. Rescuers pulled a 28-year-old German woman safely to shore, but waves dragged Knobel out to open sea.
She was rescued, but he was swept away.
Minister directs forest police to assist
Minister Suchart Chomklin said he had been notified of the incident. He ordered the Forest Department to support the search fully, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure the safety of rescue teams.
Forest Department staff coordinated with police, rescue services, local administration and other agencies. A command post was set up at the beach. Relatives of the missing man received help contacting the German embassy in Thailand and filing a report at Karon Police Station.
Search hampered by strong waves
The search lasted until about 6 pm on Monday. Rescue teams then had to call off the operation temporarily because of poor visibility and persistent heavy surf. Conditions made the search difficult and endangered the safety of rescuers.
On Tuesday, officials could not resume the sea search at first. Teams instead scoured the coastline and the area around the rocks. Authorities continue to monitor weather and sea conditions and plan to resume the sea search as soon as it is safe. The German tourist has not been found.