PHUKET: An investigation has begun into the death of a honeymooning Korean tourist who died soon after a 'Try Dive' adventure to a small island off Phuket yesterday.
The woman, aged 20, died on Koh Hey island, a popular day-trip destination, without rescuers or authorities of any kind being called to try to revive her or to question witnesses at the scene about her death.
Her body was brought back to Phuket by a speedboat and an ambulance organised to take her body from Chalong pier to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a medical examination is expected to take place.
Authorities have been told the most likely cause of death was a heart attack following her 'Try Dive' adventure.
Newcomers with no previous diving tuition are able to use 'Try Dive' to go underwater and experience marine life beneath the sea.
Details of the woman's death were revealed today for the first time at a scheduled meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall at which authorities planned to discuss a proposal by the governor to improve tourism safety at popular beaches and day-trip spots off Phuket - including Koh Hey.
An exclusive report on Phuketwan earlier today made public the first sketchy information about the tragedy.
At today's meeting, Santi Pawai, the Phuket Director of Tourism and Sport, said there would be a full investigation in to the circumstances surrounding the young honeymooner's death.
The 'Try Dive' technique is banned in marine national parks, including Phi Phi. But only a thorough investigation can confirm what precisely happened in the case of the honeymooner's death.
It's unusual to not have rescuers called to the scene and to not have witnesses interviewed at the earliest possible opportunity after this kind of tragedy.
Marine Police Sergeant Wanchai Laoriam, who is the group diving instructor, confirmed basic details about the case.
Usually, Khun Santi said, people who wish to learn to scuba dive could take up to five days to learn to dive efficiently. The 'Try Dive' process allowed people to avoid the intensive learning process and descend a short distance into the sea.
In the 'Try Dive' process, fish are usually attracted to the vessel where the dive takes place rather than requiring the diver to swim in natural coral reefs to see marine life.
Like other shortcuts that involve walking on the corals, divers and environmentalists are critical of 'Try Dive' because it can quickly lead to the death of coral beneath the vessel.
The safety plan suggested by Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada proposes the establishment of 24-hour safety centres at Phuket's most popular beaches and similar centres during daylight hours at popular off-Phuket destinations, including Koh Hey, Koh Racha, Koh Naka and Koh Maithon.
With the governor in Ranong for a regional Andaman summit, today's meeting was chaired by Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul.
