A spokesman from the Kata and Karon Marine Rescue Team said Mr Nefedov’s right thigh and left calf were seriously injured. However his tendons were intact and it was believed he would walk again.
It is still not clear how he came into contact with the propeller while swimming in the water.
A witness said Mr Nefedov was snorkeling not far from Kata Beach, where a speed boat was getting ready to leave the bay.
A Phuket International Hospital spokeswoman said the man did not require surgery and had been transferred to Vachira.