British woman injured by boat propeller on Similan Islands

A British woman sustained injuries from a boat propeller while diving near Island 7 on the Similan Islands.

The accident took place during a tour organised by Siam Adventure World, according to a report from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command based at Cape Panwa. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 15, was brought to the attention of the Navy’s Marine Security Unit by a tour guide aboard the boat, Saracha.

The injured tourist, identified as 30 year old Louise Imee Bacchetta, suffered a wound 5 centimetres long and 2 centimetres deep to her right heel. Navy officers promptly administered first aid, stopping the bleeding, providing painkillers, and covering the wound, said an RTN spokesperson.

“The injured tourist was given first aid by our officers before being transported back to the tour boat for further medical treatment.”

Following the first aid, Bacchetta was taken to a hospital for more extensive medical care. The brief report from the Third Area Command did not disclose additional details about her current condition or the circumstances leading to the accident, reported Phuket News.

The Similan Islands had just reopened on Tuesday. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has given the green light for visitors until May 15 next year.

To ensure visitors have a smooth and safe experience, national park officials have pulled out all the stops. Safety equipment and facilities have been thoroughly checked and repaired where needed.

In related news, a fishing boat discovered a body wearing diving gear and an oxygen tank floating in the sea near the mouth of the Samut Prakan estuary. Rescue teams coordinated with the marine police, who retrieved the body and brought it ashore.

The deceased was identified as an employee who had been diving with his colleagues in rough seas. The discovery was linked to a diver who had gone missing while cleaning the underside of a ship near Si Chang Island. Marine police were dispatched to search approximately 30 kilometres from the shore.