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Boat driver flees after striking British diver near Koh Tao

Boat driver flees after striking British diver near Koh Tao

A boat driver in southern Thailand fled after he struck a British tourist with the boat's propeller off the coast of Koh Tao yesterday (June 9).

accidentstransport
By Khaosod English

Wednesday 10 June 2015 04:24 PM


Rescue workers bring a 20-year-old tourist who was struck by a boat turbine to a hospital on Koh Samui. Photo: Khaosod English

Rescue workers bring a 20-year-old tourist who was struck by a boat turbine to a hospital on Koh Samui. Photo: Khaosod English

According to police, the 20-year-old British woman nearly lost her leg in the accident, which occured while she was taking a diving lesson with other tourists from a company called Scuba Shark on the western side of the island.

The boat's turbine hit her leg while she and the other tourists were swimming to shore, breaking two of her bones and causing her to bleed profusely. 

Rescue workers brought her to the closest hospital on nearby Koh Samui, where she is now recovering, according to medical workers. 

Police said the boat’s captain, identified as Boonrord Klubnak, fled the scene after the incident and is currently on the run. 

In December 2014, a Norwegian tourist was also killed near Koh Tao island after a boat turbine struck his head while he was diving in the sea.

Read original story here.