Diver airlifted from Similians after ‘fish’ attack

PHUKET: Russian tourist Rustem Teregulov, 39, was airlifted by Royal Thai Navy helicopter from the Similian Islands to Phuket yesterday after he was bitten by a fish – or possibly a moray eel – while diving in the world-renowned national park.

Mr Teregulov today told the Gazette that he was diving off one of the smaller islands about 1:30 pm when the attack happened.

“I saw some sand [shifting] like turbulence, and I swam very close and touched the bottom. That’s when a fish or something came out and bit me,” Mr Teregulov said.

The bite had peeled open the top of his hand.

“I didn’t see the fish. I think it was a barracuda,” he added.

Mr Teregulov, a Moscow businessman, surfaced and boarded the 32-meter power yacht he was diving from and received first aid. Rope was used as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding and his wound was bandaged, he said.

Vice-Admiral Supot Pruksa, of the Third Naval Command in Phuket, said that the Royal Thai Navy received the call for help about 1:55 pm.

However, the pilot could not land at the rendezvous point on Island No 4, better known as Koh Miang, until about 4:15 pm due to poor weather.

Mr Teregulov was flown to Bangkok Hospital Phuket, where he is staying for several days’ recovery and observation.

V/Adm Supot said that it was likely Mr Teregulov was bitten by a moray eel.

Mr Teregulov, a frequent visitor to Phuket, said the incident would not deter him from returning. “Of course I’ll be back,” he laughed.

In April 2005, 32-year-old Matt Butcher of Stanstead, Essex, in England, had his left thumb bitten off and eaten by a giant moray eel while he was diving at the well-known East of Eden dive site in the Similan Islands. Click here for full story.

Phuket Gazette

Watch a Video of another diver being attacked and having his thumb bitten off below.

*edited by dirtydog*