Brit drowns off Kata beach

KATA: David Jeremy Cowen, 34, from the UK, drowned while snorkeling off Kata Beach on December 10.

His body was found by a fisherman at 9:50 pm, who brought him to shore and contacted the police.

Pol Lt Col Chokechai Suthimek, of Chalong Police Station, said that police presume that Cowen was knocked unconscious after being thrown onto rocks by waves while snorkeling, but have yet to conclude their investigation into the death.

Col Chokechai said that Cowen came to Phuket alone and has no relatives here.

Cowen checked in at the Orchidacea Resort on December 9 and had booked to stay until December 12. According to the hotel’s registration records, he checked in with “media” as his occupation.

Verapol Chuayneam, Room Division Manager at Orchidacea Resort, said that the hotel had contacted the British Embassy to collect his belongings and to contact his relatives in the UK.