PHUKET — The body of a 28-year-old British national who went missing from a private yacht off the coast of Phuket has been found near Koh Raet in the Pa Klok sub-district of Thalang district, authorities confirmed on June 12.
Endnaler Johnson, 28, was reported missing after disappearing from a family yacht, De Mareft, anchored about one kilometre off Cape Yamu on June 8. He had been on board with four family members when he vanished during the early hours of the morning.
CCTV footage from the yacht revealed that Johnson exited his cabin through a window between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. He was seen using a rubber dinghy to enter the sea, briefly climbing back in before jumping again—after which he did not return. His disappearance sparked a major land and sea search across the surrounding waters of Phuket.
Johnson’s family told investigators that he had been under emotional stress due to a recent breakup but believed it was unlikely he intended to take his own life. They initially hoped he may have swum ashore and gone into hiding to clear his mind.
The yacht’s captain claimed that all main entrances had been locked for passenger safety, and that Johnson’s exit via the window was unexpected. Controversially, the captain waited more than eight hours before reporting the disappearance to authorities, according to the Bangkok Post.
Following the delayed report, a wide-scale search operation was launched. Teams scoured the coastline from Cape Yamu to Cape Bang Rong and deployed jet skis and boats to search nearby waters. Local fishermen were enlisted to support the effort, and officials expanded the search based on current and wind patterns, targeting areas including Koh Naka Noi, Koh Naka Yai, Por Bay, and Phang Nga Bay.
The operation came to a tragic end when search teams discovered Johnson’s body near Koh Raet. His remains have been transported to a local hospital, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Thai authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s disappearance and the delay in reporting it.
