Report into boat and jet ski accident which killed a woman off Anglesey calls for better management of jet skis across UK

A report on a fatal collision between a rigid inflatable boat and a jet ski in the Menai Straits which killed a woman has been released.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has pointed to a lack of knowledge and skill by the drivers of both vessels and a lack of marine management by Anglesey Council.

The 52 year-old woman from Staffordshire was riding in the high speed boat called the Rib Tickler in the Menai Straits off Anglesey in August last year, when she was hit by a jet ski which was jumping in the boat’s wake.

She died just hours later.

Investigators identified several safety issues, including the lack of skills and training in those in those control of both vessels.

"Inconsistent and damaging"

They also said that while the Isle of Anglesey County Council had a marine safety management system there was insufficient local governance of the marine environment – and they warn that managing the use of jetskis around UK coasts is inconsistent and damaging.

The report made the following safety recommendations:

In the early stages of the investigation, a safety recommendation was made to the Royal Yachting Association to review and amend its Start Powerboating and Personal Watercraft handbooks, and consider inclusion in the relevant training course syllabi.

A safety recommendation has been made to the Isle of Anglesey County Council to take measures to improve its governance of the Menai Strait by reviewing and if appropriate amending the in legislation in place, engaging with bodies and organisation with expertise in the management of personal watercraft and ensuring the council’s maritime team are adequately resourced to discharge its duties effectively.

The Royal Yachting Association and Personal Watercraft Partnership have been recommended to collaborate to formalise the creation of a cross-industry forum, focused on the safe and consistent management of personal watercraft in the UK’s coastal and inland waters.

"Not Toys"

Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, 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.”

He went on to say that a forum needed to be created to manage jet skis and personal watercraft consistently across the UK:

“Although there are many harbour and local authorities that manage their waters to provide safe areas for all water users, there is an inconsistency of management around the UK coast, which can lead to conflicted interests and confusion.

Following this investigation, I have recommended to the Royal Yachting Association and Personal Watercraft Partnership that a cross industry forum be formally created to provide a more consistent approach to the management of personal watercraft around the UK."