Hero Father Vanishes: Israeli Tourist Lost at Sea in Thailand After Saving Son from Strong Current

A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway on Koh Phangan, Thailand, for an Israeli tourist identified as Sagi, a father of four in his 40s, who went missing after courageously jumping into the sea to save his young son.

The incident occurred yesterday afternoon at Chaloklum Beach on the northern side of Koh Phangan. The man's son was swept away by a strong current, prompting Sagi to immediately enter the turbulent water. The boy was successfully brought back to shore unharmed and safe. However, in the process of ensuring his son's safety, Sagi himself was pulled further out into the deep, rough waters and has been missing since.

Desperate Search Efforts Underway

Local police forces, the marine unit, volunteer rescue teams, and divers immediately launched a massive search effort across the area using boats, jet skis, and aerial observation equipment, including drones. Despite intensive efforts that have continued since the afternoon, no sign or evidence of the missing father’s location has been found.

Local media reported that the Israeli family was walking on Chaloklum Beach around 2:30 PM when the son was caught by a strong wave and dangerous current. After rescuing his son and guiding him safely back to the beach, Sagi attempted to swim back to shore but was pulled away by the surging sea. He reportedly shouted to his wife that he would try to reach the rocks near a nearby bridge, but another wave swept him away.

Diplomatic and Private Sector Involvement

The man's wife immediately alerted the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok. The case of the missing Israeli citizen is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department for Israelis in Distress and the Israeli Embassy in Thailand, which are in constant, direct contact with the family.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed: "The Israeli Embassy in Thailand is maintaining contact with Thai authorities and is working with them to advance the search efforts." A joint operations room has been established involving the family, the local Jewish community, the Israeli community in the area, and the private security firm "Magen".

The Israeli's insurance provider, Clal Insurance and Finance, stated that its rescue company, "Magen Search and Rescue," immediately activated local emergency forces and dispatched a dedicated search and rescue delegation from Israel. This mission includes aerial and maritime searches and works in full coordination with the Foreign Ministry, the Consul in Bangkok, and Thai authorities.

Authorities have noted that the sea in the Gulf of Thailand was rough at the time, and warnings had been issued to swimmers earlier that day, urging extreme caution. The search remains active and ongoing.