Jet-ski safety calls as tourist dies in smash
Collision after ‘high-speed manoeuvres’
A CRACKDOWN on jet ski safety has been ordered after the death of a North Staffordshire tourist in a boating tragedy.
Jane Walker, from Cheadle, suffered head, neck and chest injuries when the Rib Tickler boat, below, she was sitting in was in collision with a jet ski on the Menai Strait, in North Wales.
The 52-year-old died in hospital just 75 minutes after the collision in August, 2020.
Now a report has found that the boat and the jet ski were both carrying out ‘uncoordinated, high-speed manoeuvres’ before the pharmacy technician’s death.
The Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) identified failings and made a number of recommendations following the tragedy.
It found the two craft ‘were operating too closely to each other at high speed and neither Rib Tickler’s driver nor the personal watercraft rider understood the other’s intentions.’
It added: “Furthermore, the knowledge and skill levels of the persons in control or overseeing the two craft were not appropriate to the manoeuvres being undertaken.”
Marine Accidents chief inspector Andrew Moll said: “As the use of leisure craft in the UK becomes ever more popular, this tragic accident serves as a powerful reminder that uncoordinated, high-speed manoeuvres near other craft are unsafe.
“Personal watercraft, often referred to as jet skis, provide a unique and fun way to enjoy the water, but they are high performance machines, not toys.
“The completion of an appropriate training course will better equip the rider with skills and knowledge necessary for the safe use of a personal watercraft.”
Mr Moll said, although many harbour and local authorities manage their waters safely, ‘there is an inconsistency of management around the UK coast, which can lead to conflicted interests and confusion.’
Anglesey County Council is already making changes following the findings.
A council spokesman said: “We recognise that this continues to be an extremely difficult time for the family and friends of Mrs Jane Walker, and our thoughts are with them.
“Whilst it is clear that the safety issues identified by the MAIB, in relation to the county council, did not contribute directly to this tragic accident, we accept the findings of the report as published.
“We have already started to take positive steps to improve the management of the Menai Strait, as recommended by the MAIB.”
An inquest into Jane’s death can now be heard following the publication of the MAIB report.
The mother-of-two had been married to Kevin Walker for the past 35 years. Her funeral was held at Cheadle Parish Church in September, 2020.