Indian tourists injured in “Sea Walker” incident

Two Indian tourists participating in a “Sea Walker’ activity, off an island in Chon Buri province, have suffered serious injuries and are receiving urgent medical care in a Pattaya hospital.

The tourists, whose names have not been released, are requiring respiratory support.

It is still unclear whether they became ill while underwater or when they were at the surface.

Participants in sea walking, which is becoming popular among tourists, wear helmets that supply air while exploring the seabed at a depth of 7-10 metres.

Each round sea walk costs 800-900 baht for 15-20 minutes underwater.

Police have revealed that there are about 17 firms providing the service and Chon Buri police are investigating them.

Wuttipong Wong-in, director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Conservation Division, said that participants were previously allowed to walk close to the coral line, but this permission was withdrawn after some people stepped on the corals.

A clear space underwater, of about 60 square metres, was subsequently provided for the activity.

Wuttipong added that tourists are now allowed to be underwater for a maximum of ten minutes, while noting that tourism laws do not yet cover the activity.