Two Russian tourists sustained serious injuries from a speed boat propeller while diving near the Phi Phi islands in Krabi on Wednesday morning.
Sergie Dmitriev, 30, lies unconscious after being struck by the propeller of a speed boat near Phi Phi on Wednesday. (Photo by Achadtaya Chuennirun)
Pol Lt Col Jetsada Janphum, of Muang Krabi police station, said Sergie Dmitriev, 30, and Dmitry Kurynov, 48, both Russian nationals, were struck by the propeller of a speed boat coming in to moor at a pier near Maya Bay.
Mr Dmitriev's right leg was almost severed and Mr Kurynov sustained a severe cut to his body while they were scuba diving near Nopparat Thara Beach, police said.
The victims bled heavily and were rushed to PP Hospital on the island to receive initial treatment before being transferred to the better-equipped Krabi Hospital on the mainland, Pol Lt Col Jetsada said. Mr Dmitriev's leg had to be amputated from the knee down.
Adison Benmamood, 22, the speed boat captain, said the accident occurred as the boat was making its way to the pier. The boat was carrying more than 30 tourists.
He felt the boat hit something underwater and discovered the two tourists who were scuba diving had been struck by the propeller of the boat.
Mr Adison said he asked for help from a boat moored nearby to take the victims to PP Hospital.
An initial investigation found the speed boat belongs to Somchai Jitlang, a resident of Krabi, police said.
Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Surachet Hukpan, Tourist Police Division commander, said police are working with the Russian embassy to contact the victims' families and discuss compensation for the victims.
The boat's captain should have taken more care when bringing the boat in to moor near divers, he said.
Pol Maj Gen Surachet said he will inspect the accident scene today and hold talks with local authorities about measures to prevent future incidents.
Measures include setting up markers for dive zones, police said.
The markers will be placed near beaches in tourists destinations including the Phi Phi islands, Samui island, Krabi and Pattaya, according Pol Maj Gen Surachet.
The measures are part of a response to Prime Minster Prayut Chan-o-cha's directives to provide better safety for tourists, Pol Maj Gen Surachet said.