Russian drowns while snorkelling off Phi Phi island, east of Phuket

PHUKET: A Russian tourist drowned while snorkelling off the tourist island of Phi Phi, east of Phuket, yesterday.

“Evgenii Kuznetcov, 54, was taken to Phi Phi Hospital, but sadly he was pronounced dead on arrival,” Krabi City Police Deputy Superintendent Noppadol Mukda told the Phuket Gazette.

Mr Kuznetcov and his wife had joined a Phuket speedboat tour to visit Koh Phi Phi and other islands in the area.

“The accident happened at Hin Prae, a popular snorkelling spot for groups visiting the area,” said
Lt Col Noppadol.

“Mr Kuznetcov was apparently snorkelling off the side of the boat with other tourists when the captain noticed that he was just floating in the water. Mr Kuznetcov was dragged back on board, but efforts to resuscitate him failed.”

According to his wife, Mr Kuznetcov suffered from high blood pressure, but doctors at the hospital have ascertained that he died from drowning.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong