Sergei Dmitriev, 30, and Dmitry Kuryanov, 48, were struck by the propeller of the speedboat Sunsan 2 when they resurfaced from their dive at Maya Bay. (See story here)
The captain of the Sunsan 2 has since been charged with reckless driving causing injury. (See story here)
Park officials placed buoys in two areas near Koh Porda and a thrird at Ko Pai. The areas were marked to ensure tour boats do not enter them.
Further areas are to be marked at Ao Maya, an area which has seen several incidents in the last few months.
Nopparat Thara park chief Sarayuth Tansathien said, “The reason for putting out the additional buoys today is because we have had so many boat collisions these areas. Last month alone we had two collisions, one tourist died and two were injured.
“We hope that by placing these buoys it will improve the safety of tourists and keep tour boats out,” he said.
He added that if any boat operators fails to comply, he/she will face a fine.
Park officials also advise diving boats carrying tourists for deep sea diving around Phi Phi Lei must get a permit from Nopparat Thara officials before venturing into the area to avoid accidents and prevent them from entering areas where tour boats regularly use.