Phuket - An Italian drowned at the popular Patong Beach Monday evening, police said.

Police said the body of Antonino Salvtore, 46, was retrieved from the sea at 10:30 pm Monday or four hours after he was swept away by a big wave.

His friend, Zanche Tta Gianluca, 39 told police that they were swimming at the beach and then Salvtore swam out to the sea and was swept away.

--The Nation/ANN