The father of a British teenager killed in a parasailing accident on Rhodes has vowed to fight for justice, as Greek authorities launch an investigation into the incident. Jessica Lee-Hayes, 15, and her cousin Michael Connelly, 13, died after the towrope snapped, sending them crashing onto rocks. Jessica's brother James, 15, remains in critical condition in hospital.
The three teenagers, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, were on holiday with their parents when the accident occurred on Wednesday. Speaking to the Sun from the hospital, Jessica's father Tony described his devastation: 'It's like the world's come to an end. Jessica was a beautiful, beautiful lady. Extremely popular and very special. Mikey, her cousin, exactly the same. They've been stolen from us and we're devastated.'
Greek judicial authorities have ordered an official investigation into the accident. The owner of the water sports company, Nikos Mallios, 51, was initially detained but has been released pending the inquiry's findings. Coastguard officials said Mallios was piloting the speedboat when the towrope snapped in stormy weather, propelling the trio by gale-force winds onto a craggy promontory.
Authorities confirmed the teenagers died from injuries sustained on impact after falling from 'an extremely high altitude' onto rocks. The island's coastguard chief, Spyros Tatis, has argued in favour of charges of involuntary manslaughter and grievous bodily harm. 'There is outrage on the island and a sense that justice must be served,' said a well-placed source.
Greek law prohibits parasailing for three or more people at once, bans minors under 18 from participating, and forbids the activity in adverse weather. The company's website had advertised 'single and tandem harness rides' and stated 'children can fly tandem with adults'. Similar tragedies have occurred in the region, including a 2011 incident in Turkey where a British holidaymaker died.
