Holiday Horror: Tourist Swept Away at Nai Harn Beach
A sun-soaked getaway has ended in heartbreak for the family of Yuan Wenyi. The 21-year-old Chinese tourist vanished while swimming off Phuket’s famed Nai Harn Beach.
It’s Wednesday, 1 October 2025, just before 3pm. Yuan is enjoying the turquoise waters when disaster strikes. He’s caught by fierce currents—then disappears from sight.
Vice Admiral Weerudom Muangjeen, commander of the third naval region, acts fast. He orders a massive search. “We did everything we could,” he insists.
Massive Search Yields Only Heartbreak
Rescue teams spring into action. Navy units, Rawai council staff, lifeguards, and volunteers scour the coastline. They comb every inch from Nai Harn Beach to Ao Sen, including Ya Nui Beach and the waters around Koh Kaeo.
For two agonising days, there’s no trace of Yuan. Searchers focus on rocks, beaches, and underwater zones. Hopes fade with every passing hour.
Grim Discovery on the Third Day
At dawn on 3 October, the hunt resumes. Teams sweep the rocky coast between Ya Nui Beach and Laem Phromthep Cape. Then, at 10am, a chilling sight: a body floating near Koh Moo, just off Ya Nui Beach.
Rescue workers recover the lifeless form and rush it to the command centre near Nai Harn Beach. Police confirm the worst fears—it’s Yuan Wenyi.
Autopsy and Fresh Warnings for Tourists
Yuan’s body is sent for autopsy and legal procedures. The tragedy sparks urgent warnings from officials. “The sea is dangerous during monsoon season,” they stress.
Nai Harn Beach, loved for its beauty, has seen several drownings over the years. Off-season brings fewer lifeguards—and more risk. Some tourists ignore warning flags, with deadly consequences.
A Stark Reminder for All Travellers
This heartbreaking case is a stark warning. Tourists must follow beach safety rules and check weather conditions before swimming. Thailand’s monsoon brings wild currents and dangerous waves—even strong swimmers can be caught out.
For Yuan Wenyi’s family, the nightmare is just beginning. They must cope with their loss and face daunting formalities in a foreign land. The Chinese embassy has been notified of the tragedy.
Will this latest loss finally make holidaymakers think twice before braving Phuket’s treacherous waters?
