Picture courtesy of The Times of Israel

 

An Israeli tourist drowned off Koh Pha Ngan while rescuing his son from strong sea currents during a family holiday. Sagi Mor, 45, was swept out to sea on 19 November while holidaying with his wife and four children, after ensuring his son was handed to another tourist for safety.

 

Mor had shouted to his wife that he intended to swim to nearby rocks, but was pulled under by a strong wave before reaching them. His wife, Inbal, immediately contacted emergency responders and the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, prompting a search operation involving local police, responders, Israeli tourists and expatriates on the island.

 

Over 160 volunteers scoured the coastline on foot and by boat amid rough seas and strong winds, suspending the search overnight before resuming at dawn on 20 November. The search concluded tragically when Mor’s body was recovered and formally identified later that day.

 

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident and is coordinating the return of Mor’s body to Israel for burial. Inbal Mor expressed gratitude to the volunteers, saying, “In these difficult hours, I would like to thank from all our hearts the good people who came to rescue Sagi.”

 

The Thaiger reported that authorities noted that Koh Pha Ngan has experienced unpredictable weather and strong currents in recent days, posing significant risks to swimmers. Local officials and volunteers highlighted the dangers of rough sea conditions, making rescue operations especially challenging.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• An Israeli tourist drowned off Koh Pha Ngan while rescuing his son from strong currents.

• Over 160 volunteers and officials joined the search amid rough seas, confirming Mor’s death on 20 November.

• The Israeli Foreign Ministry is coordinating the repatriation of Mor’s body for burial.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from TheThaiger 2025-11-23

 

 

 

I thought this was in samui this happened and he drowned rescuing his kid who was in the sea for some reason.🤔

On 11/23/2025 at 3:06 AM, Georgealbert said:

Over 160 volunteers scoured the coastline on foot and by boat amid rough seas and strong winds,

Tragic, but one must ask... why swim in those conditions?

Why go for a swim after rescuing his son ? 

19 minutes ago, brian69 said:

Why go for a swim after rescuing his son ? 

He rescued his son and got him to people near the shore ,  but was then swept back out himself and drowned.

People underestimate how treacherous the ocean can be.

 

RIP.  Can't imagine what his family is going through just now.