Thai diver stung by sea creatures but online critics take a bigger bite
A Thai woman issued a warning to diving enthusiasts after sustaining injuries from sea anemones and sea urchins while diving in the southern province of Chumphon. The incident occurred due to strong waves, but instead of sympathy, she found herself facing online criticism over her choice of swimsuit.
The victim, identified as Fon Nongnaphat, shared a video of the incident on her Facebook account yesterday, March 4, with a caption that read, “Ended up in hospital.”
She added more messages in the video stating, “My mother takes the best care of me, hoping I will have a safe and comfortable life, but me.”
The footage showed Fon freediving near a coral reef before being suddenly swept by a strong wave. She was seen colliding with a reef covered in sea anemones and urchins.
Fon’s video was reshared by Thairath to warn others of the dangers. She later gave an interview to Thairath, providing further details of the incident. Fon explained that she was diving with her boyfriend and a diving instructor. They visited three dive sites, and the accident occurred at the last one.
Fon stated that she asked her boyfriend to film her diving deeper towards the seabed to capture the coral reef as her background. She spotted a large rock covered in sea anemones and urchins and attempted to keep her distance from them.
Unfortunately, she was unable to resist the strong wave and was injured as seen in the video. Fon said she suffered injuries to her arm and described the pain as a burning sensation.
Revealing swimsuit
The diving instructor quickly helped her back onto the boat, cleaned the wound with vinegar, and returned to shore. As her condition did not improve, she went to a hospital to receive treatment.
Fon admitted that she was a beginner at freediving and acknowledged that the site she visited was quite dangerous.
“The beginners should select a safer place. The one I visited was quite dangerous due to the number of sea anemones, which can harm divers. Also, beginners must be under the supervision of the instructors at all times.”
However, rather than heeding Fon’s warning, many netizens focused on her swimsuit, criticising it for being too revealing. They argued that divers should dress more modestly to prevent injuries from jellyfish and sea anemones.
Some commenters went as far as to say that she deserved her injuries due to her choice of attire. One Thai woman even insulted Fon, stating that her swimsuit was more suited for a bed with her boyfriend than for a diving spot.
Others defended Fon, pointing out that full diving suits are typically worn for scuba diving, while lighter and more comfortable swimsuits are preferable for freediving.
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