There is trouble in Paradise again after another family vacation was marred by a tragic jet ski accident.
Fourteen-year-old William Kay of New Jersey was injured at Cabbage Beach Thursday afternoon. He died of his injuries on the way to Doctors Hospital. The teenager was visiting the Bahamas with his family for a couple of days. They were guests at the Riu Hotel on Paradise Island.
According to Marvin Dames, Chief Superintendent of the Central Detective Unit, the incident happened at about 3pm on Thursday. The youngster was with his family on Cabbage Beach on the north side of Atlantis.
"The parents had paid a water sports operator to use a jet ski for their son," said Supt Dames. "What happened is that he went out by himself on the craft and collided into a parasail boat that was anchored some 500 feet from the shore. From this collision, he received injuries to the head. William was then rushed to Doctor's Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
"The accident is being thoroughly investigated by the Central Detective Unit to find out how and why it happened," said Supt Dames.
He said the Force did not want a repeat of the Paul Gallagher case when the sleeping two year old was killed by a speed boat that ran out of control onto the beach. That case is still open.
"I certainly speak on behalf of the Commissioner of Police," said Supt Dames. "Our sympathy goes out to the family, and we understand the importance of investigating this matter entirely. We want to bring this to closure as quickly as possible, so that everyone will be satisfied with the outcome."
For investigative reasons, Supt Dames said he would rather not disclose the name of the jet ski owners. However, he noted that the company is well known.
Supt Dames said it's too early to say if any charges can be pressed. However, this could be better determined after all the facts are in.
Transportation and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, declined to comment on the incident. She said the accident was still under investigation.
Jet ski fatalities are becoming increasingly prevalent among underage children. Hoteliers, tourists, and jet ski operators have expressed concern that government is not responding to the problem.
Minister Hanna-Martin has frequently recommended that government put stricter guidelines on water sports.
Mr Lorenzo Symonette, Assistant General Manager of Riu Hotel, said his hotel has become deeply involved since the accident.
He said Riu staff are doing everything they can to comfort the family, who were scheduled to leave the Bahamas yesterday. Their departure has been postponed until further notice. "Our hotel has extended their stay, all expenses paid, because we know they will have to spend more time to getting things in order before leaving the capital," Mr Symonette said.
Mr Symonette expressed his deepest condolences and said his staff are going beyond the call of duty to make certain that the family is comfortable.
"As a hotel we will work together with the American Embassy and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to ensure that they have a comfortable stay here at Riu," he said.
By REUBEN SHEARER, The Tribune
