UPDATE
Chulgue Kang had regained consciousness and appeared to be recovering on Tuesday, a hospital spokesperson said.
Original Report
PHUKET: A Korean tourist is in a coma in a Phuket hospital today after having been struck in the head by the propeller of a passing longtail boat yesterday at a popular holiday spot.
The condition of Chulgue Kang, 30, deteriorated from blood loss as a tour minivan rushed him and five friends back to Phuket after the incident in Phang Nga, north of Phuket.
The friends had been swimming at Tam Lord, between Panyee island and James Bond island, for about 20 minutes when the passing longtail boat slashed Mr Kang's head open.
The minivan carried him back to Phuket as his friends attempted to staunch the flow of blood, transferring him to an ambulance that happened to be in Thepkasattri Road and was willing to assist.
Mr Kang was taken to Phuket International Hospital in Phuket City.
Meanwhile, the body of a Frenchman killed by a passing boat while snorkelling off the holiday island of Koh Lipe in the province of Satun on Friday has been transferred to Prince of Songkhla Hospital in Haad Yai.
Vincent Therond, 33, had been staying with his wife on the island since November 2. On Friday, he chose to go snorkelling alone.
After a time, his wife noted his absence and found his body in the water. The left side of his head had been severely cut. So had one arm.
Embassy officials have asked for a detailed report on the extent of Mr Therond's wounds. His wife flew back to France alone at the weekend.
Someday the authorities will have to start doing something about the increasing death tolls from long tails and speed boats which currently are operated with as much safety in mind as the minivan and taxi's are, which is to say none at all. Unfortunately action will come late for many, and sadly, like everything else, only with international pressure.
Posted by NomadJoe on November 13, 2012 02:04