The search resumed today (Wednesday) in the seas around Koh Pha-ngan, in Thailand’s southern province of Surat Thani, for a German tourist who jumped into the sea from a double-decked ferry last night, as it was heading for Koh Samui.

The skipper of the ferry reportedly told the police that the boat had left Koh Pha-ngan less than 20 minutes before a passenger, later identified as German national Florain Storz, who was travelling with his wife, stood up and threw himself overboard from the second deck on the starboard of the vessel. The incident was reported by the skipper to the police on Koh Pha-ngan and a sea search was immediately mounted. It continued until 10.30pm, when it was suspended due to rough seas and lack of light.

Marine and tourist police, local officials and the private sector on Koh Pha-ngan are taking part in the effort to find him.

The German couple arrived in Thailand on December 20^th and were staying in a bungalow in Maret sub-district. Their visas are due to expire on February 2^nd.

Officials on Koh Pha-ngan said they don’t know the motive for the man’s actions.