Thailand warns scuba divers to stop diving in Andaman Sea until November

Government officials in Thailand have warned tourists and dive boat operators to stop all scuba diving activities in the Andaman Sea until November.

The official government warning comes in the aftermath of a dive boat sinking that killed one dive tourist and endangered 18 others who were forced to float in extremely rough seas some 20 nautical miles off Phuket until a fishing boat rescued them.  The Bubble Blue dive boat was carrying dive tourists from Phuket to the Similan Islands.

"Normally tourists and small trawlers should avoid all marine activities during the rainy season, including diving, cruising and fishing, as there are high waves, strong wind, and even storms in the sea", said Jaranthada Karnasuta, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Fisheries.

"All marine activities should particularly be avoided in the Andaman Sea", he added.

Officials advised dive centers and other business involved in marine sports to resume operations in November after the monsoon season "when the sea is safe".