5 days since he went missing in the waves off Phuket, the body of Mr. Angelo Bien Rafael Cortez, 29, who came to Phuket with a group of 13 tourists from the Philippines, was discovered near Koh Kiew, or Green Island, situated between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands, at about midday on Sunday and was brought ashore at Chalong Pier at about 5pm, according to Phuket News.
Mr. Supot Rotruang na Nongkhai, Phuket deputy governor, confirmed the body was that of Mr. Cortez who disappeared in stormy seas while swimming with 5 friends at Freedom Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Four of the 6 swimmers are safe, while Mr. Cortez and Mr. Noah Ibay, 43, were swept away.
The body of Mr. Ibay was recovered from rocks near Freedom Beach on Friday after an extensive search by rescue workers, lifeguards and police.
Over 70 officials, rescue workers and life guards were involved in the search for Mr. Cortez.
