Aussie man, 22, drowns after diving off a boat while reportedly swimming intoxicated in Thailand

A young Australian man has died while on holiday in Thailand after diving off a boat while reportedly intoxicated. 

The 22-year-old man from Melbourne was exploring the coast of Ko Racha Yai with six other tourists when the tragedy occurred on Tuesday. 

Footage shared with news.com.au shows medics performing CPR on the tourist, with one paramedic appearing to stop and let a colleague continue the process.

Chalong Police Station’s lieutenant colonel, Kanen Somrak, confirmed on Tuesday that the man is an Australian national.

‘The victim had consumed a large amount of alcohol before entering the water,’ he told reporters.

‘He was reportedly intoxicated and repeatedly jumped in and out of the sea before eventually drowning.

‘No illegal substances were found at the scene. Only empty alcohol beverage bottles were discovered.’

Emergency services were called at 2.28pm local time and attended the boat where they found the tourist unconscious and unresponsive on the deck. 

The man was taken to Chalong Hospital in Phuket but staff pronounced him dead at 3.53pm local time. 

A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said staff are supporting the family of the young man.  

‘We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,’ they said in a statement.

‘The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Thailand.’ 

This can include offering guidance to families as well as liaising with local and Australian authorities to assist with funeral arrangements or repatriation of remains. 

The young man’s body has been taken to the Vachira Phuket Hospital while officials organise his repatriation. 

Ko Racha Yai is an hour from Phuket and a popular tourist spot for boat rides around the island, diving and snorkelling.