Boy, 14, Killed by Speedboat Propeller While Snorkeling on Round-the-World Trip with His Family

A tragic incident in French Polynesia has highlighted concerns over boating safety regulations following the death of a British-Polish teenager. Fourteen-year-old Eddie Jarman was fatally injured when he was struck by a speedboat’s propeller while snorkeling near his family’s vessel in Mo’orea Bay on August 9, 2020.

Eddie was checking the family boat’s anchor when he was struck, sustaining severe head and chest injuries. Emergency services attempted to provide first aid at the scene; however, he tragically succumbed to his injuries later that day. Reports indicate that the incident occurred around 4 PM local time, as described by various UK news sources, including the BBC, The Telegraph, and The Times.

The boat involved in this tragic accident was operated by a local lagoon guide who had rented the vessel for a day out with his girlfriend. Following the collision, French Polynesian police launched an investigation into potential involuntary manslaughter charges against the driver. Ultimately, this investigation was closed without any charges being filed, leading to widespread public outcry over the decision.

During an inquest held at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton on April 28, Eddie’s family expressed their deep disappointment at the lack of repercussions for the speedboat driver. At the inquest, it was detailed that Eddie had drifted approximately 15 meters from his family’s boat while snorkeling. Witness accounts from the incident described how the driver of the speedboat felt an impact but was reportedly unaware that he had struck a person.

Eddie’s parents, Harry Jarman and Barbara Genda, recounted the harrowing moments following the accident. They described seeing their son unconscious and injured, tended to by the girlfriend of the speedboat operator amidst a scene of chaos and blood in the water. In their testimony, they firmly believed that the speedboat was travelling too fast and alleged that the driver had been drinking, raising significant concerns regarding his judgement and actions.

West Sussex Coroner Joseph Turner confirmed that the cause of Eddie’s death was due to hemorrhagic shock and a ruptured spleen, stating that the injuries sustained were “unsurvivable.” He acknowledged the complexity of the incident, noting that the speedboat was reportedly adhering to a 20-knot speed limit, although family members disputed this assessment.

During the inquest, it was revealed that the driver had shared a bottle of wine with his girlfriend prior to the collision and had consumed alcohol the night before at a party. Despite this, blood tests conducted after the incident showed no traces of alcohol in his system. In response, Eddie’s family requested a retest of the samples; however, this request was denied.

Coroner Turner noted the evidence that the driver had consumed alcohol earlier would make it “difficult” to align with the negative blood test results. Although there was a consideration of gross negligence manslaughter, he ultimately concluded with a narrative verdict rather than definitive charges against the driver.

The fatal incident and the subsequent investigation outcome underscore ongoing discussions regarding water safety regulations and accountability. Parents Harry and Barbara have passionately campaigned for justice for their son, highlighting the need for improved safety measures on waterways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As investigations into the circumstances surrounding Eddie’s death continue, his family remains vocal about the vulnerabilities faced by snorkellers and swimmers, particularly concerning the behaviours of motorboat operators in busy navigation channels. They hope that their advocacy will lead to a greater awareness and necessary reforms within boating regulations in tourist locations.

Those affected by the tragic death of Eddie Jarman now eagerly await policies that could provide better protection for those enjoying water-based activities. Meanwhile, the call for a rethink on boating safety regulations and operator accountability remains more pertinent than ever, against the backdrop of this heartbreaking case.