Jet-ski smash with trimaran
- Mon, 7 Jun 2010
- Comments (5)
A jet-ski driver sustained serious leg injuries after a 40 knot collision with a trimaran close to an area with six-knot speed limit.
Just before the high speed smash in Studland Bay, Dorset a 13-year-old riding pillion on the jet-ski leapt clear shouting a warning.
Portland Coastguard received two emergency calls informing them that there had been a collision between a jet ski and the 25ft trimaran Lil Annie. The skipper of the trimaran said: ‘This thing came at me like an Exocet missile.'
The Coastguard rescue helicopter from Portland was scrambled. Nigel Robinson, Watch Officer, Portland Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:
'We received several calls informing us of this incident, one from the crew aboard the trimaran and one from the people on a nearby motor cruiser Ludwells in additional to a call from Southwest Ambulance requesting assistance to the same incident.
‘The casualty was initially recovered by the crew aboard the motor cruiser, then airlifted by the Coastguard rescue helicopter to the Poole helicopter landing site where the casualty was transferred to Poole General Hospital.'
The jet ski was towed to Poole Harbour and the trimaran was assisted to Poole Yacht Club by the Poole RNLI lifeboat.
The Dorset Constabulary and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed of the incident.
Have your say!
Latest comments
June 10 11:55
Shane
The same could be said for motorists. For the majority, when the engine starts, the brain stops. Otherwise responsible and safety conscious people drive as though they are invulnerable.
June 10 15:02
Adrian
J.soap....Typical ignorant commented posted. Jetski riders should be made take a test and made to have insurance etc thus improving the situation for all. New jet skis have brake now. I hope all are ok. J.soap...get a job
June 10 23:08
Jrowles
In western Australia before you can use a pleasure craft with an engine you have to obtain a certificate of competance. this should be made a legal requirement n all UK waters.
June 15 23:42
Mike
I do not see that certificates of competence will make any difference. Most jetskiers I meet on the water are either in areas they should be, exceeding speed limits or generally presenting both a danger and nuisance to other water and beach users but I have yet to see any "authority" take action. Enforcement is what we need.Restrict them to 5 knots anywhere other than 2 miles offshore and enforce it....they will soon die a death on that basis and good riddance!