German tourist missing after being swept off Freedom Beach

A German tourist remains missing after strong waves swept two people into the sea at Freedom Beach in Phuket's Karon area on 10 August 2026. Lifeguards rescued the woman safely, but searches for the man have been restricted by rough seas and strong winds.

The missing man has been named as 30-year-old Jannic Jurgen Nobel. The woman rescued from the water is 28-year-old Anduk Michelle, also a German national.

Both had been staying at Two Villas Holiday Phuket Onyx Style Nai Harn Beach in Sakhu, Thalang district, from 5 to 11 August 2026.

Lifeguards rescue one tourist

Pol Lt Col Jaras Lempan, an investigator at Karon Police Station, was alerted by the Karon radio centre that two tourists were struggling in the sea at Freedom Beach, in Karon subdistrict of Mueang Phuket district.

He reported the case to Pol Col Pathi Srichai, superintendent of Karon Police Station, before travelling to the beach and coordinating relevant agencies.

The pair had entered the water at Freedom Beach, despite red warning flags, when heavy waves struck, pulling them away from shore and into deeper water. Lifeguards on duty responded urgently and brought the woman ashore safely.

The man, however, was swept further out to sea and disappeared.

Search moves to shoreline and rocks

Authorities launched a search and coordinated rescue teams after the incident. But worsening conditions, including strong winds, high waves and nightfall, made an offshore operation difficult and risky for personnel.

The sea search was therefore temporarily suspended.

On 11 August, rescue workers had still been unable to resume an offshore search because the sea remained rough. Teams have instead adjusted their plans to search along the shoreline and around rocky areas.

Officials are continuing to monitor sea conditions closely and say the marine search will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Picture courtesy of MGR online

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11 August 2026

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