[h=1]Phuket Dive Tragedy as Day-Trip Tourist Falls Sick Off Phi Phi[/h] By Chutima Sidasathian
Saturday, December 10, 2011
PHUKET: The body of a French tourist is being held in the small hospital on Phi Phi island, a ferry ride from Phuket, after the man died unexpectedly on a diving day trip from Phuket.
While the full circumstances of the death of the man - believed to be elderly - are not known, a spokesperson for the diving company involved tonight briefly outlined the events leading up to the tragedy.
Four friends took the day trip to dive together, the spokesperson told Phuketwan. But the elderly man felt unwell and opted not to make the first two dives of the day.
His friends, however, impressed by what they saw under the water, coaxed him into making the third dive. The man emerged feeling unwell and became seriously ill soon after, the spokesperson said.
Rather than make the journey back to Phuket the vessel's captain sought assistance at Phi Phi, which was closer.
The Consul from the French Embassy, Pierre Blondel, who happened to be visiting Phuket today, is aware of the man's death and is overseeing the process of informing his relatives.
