A 21-year-old Tunisian tourist who went missing after being swept away by a rip current while surfing off the Weligama coast has been found dead.

According to Weligama Police, the tourist’s body was found washed ashore at the Parana Kade beach in Weligama this morning (09).The incident occurred yesterday afternoon (08), when a group of Tunisian tourists was surfing in the Parana Kade beach area. The 21-year-old was reportedly caught in a strong rip current amid sudden rough winds and disappeared.Following the incident, an extensive search operation was launched involving police lifesaving personnel, Coast Guard officials and private divers. However, the search was hampered by difficult sea conditions.

The search ended tragically this morning when the tourist’s body was discovered washed ashore on the same beach.Weligama Headquarters Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.