HM Coastguard has suspended the search for a missing jet skier following the discovery of a jet ski in the Solent yesterday, pending further information.
Despite a through and comprehensive search by RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge, Yarmouth, Cowes and Calshot, independent lifeboats from Gosport and Ryde, the search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent, HM Coastguard’s fixed wing aircraft, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hillhead, Hayling Island, Needles, Ventnor and Bembridge and the Hampshire Police Marine Unit, nothing has been found.
The search, which began at 19:30 yesterday (Tuesday) and continued overnight and throughout today, has now been suspended, pending further information.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard has said:
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this very difficult time”.
Very sad to have to admit defeat. How awful for family to keep wondering and hoping.
I believe this very sad and unnecessary accident, through lack of respect of the sea, further adds to the argument that any water based vessel needs to be in the control of a competent individual who has had some form of tuition and experience thoughts with the family
Bit ignorant, and insensitive. You have no idea about the missing person or their abilities. Try and be a bit more thoughtful and considerate.
Try to write properly.
How do you know that this person wasnt a very experienced and capable individual? Until you know the facts keep your opinions to yourself.
Agreed.
Jet skis are incredibly dangerous, both to the people who use them, and other vessels/people on the water. They really should be banned, or at least subject to the driver obtaining a licence, following a test. I have seen drivers of jet skis coming close inshore, when swimmers are in the water, and weaving around other vessels, including the ferries.
Get your facts straight. Jetskis, whilst potentially annoying to some, buzzing around doing tricks, are inherently safe. On average there are less than one fatalities per year involving jetskis, whereas there are some 30 from swimming, 17 from scuba diving, 15 from sail boats etc etc. Personally, as a jetski and powerboat owner (and also a wild swimmer and paddleboarder), I think all lesuire boats over a certain speed/size should be the subject of mandatory training and licencing, but not *just* jetskis simply because they annoy you. However, the RYA resist all attempts at mandatory training and licencing because their membership is generally yachties – even though they are supposed to represent small powered craft, in reality they don’t.
ALL JET SKIS SHOULD BE BANNED.
The actual number of accidents is irrelevant, as jet-skis are not as common as other water sports. I see that insurance companies classify it as an extreme sport, and I quote: “more dangerous activities like free-diving, jet-skiing or swimming with sharks.”
Jet skis can be extremely annoying to those enjoying the beach. The incessant buzzing and coming in too close to swimmers spoils it for those on shore. But taking a test and obtaining a licence doesn’t stop idiots on the road and I doubt that it would on the sea.
I feel desperately sorry for the family and hope that their nightmare ends with a positive outcome