The tourist, Valentina Mitrofanova, was seen struggling in the water and brought ashore in front of the Holiday Inn Hotel at about 4pm, reported Phuket Tourist Police.
Rescue workers at the beach were forced to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before rushing Ms Mitrofanova to Patong Hospital, said the Tourist Police in their report.
Ms Mitrofanova was then transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, the report added.
“Accirding to the rescue workers who travelled [with Ms Mitrofanova] to Vachira Hospital, Dr Niran Kwanmueang said Mr Mitrofanova still had low oxygen levels and pressure problems,” the police noted.
“She has to wear a respirator and must be under close medical watch,” said the report.
Ms Mitrofanova arrived in Phuket on holiday yesterday (Mar 11) on a tour provided by Pegas and was staying at the Arita Hotel on Pracha Nukroh Rd, the Tourist Police also reported.
She had planned to return to Russia on April 9, they added.