A British-Polish teenager on a round-the-world sailing trip was killed when a speedboat struck him while he was snorkelling in Mo’orea Bay, French Polynesia, an inquest has heard. Edward Jarman, known as Eddie to his family, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a three-tonne, semi-rigid inflatable boat on 9 August 2020.
Details of the Incident
The 14-year-old was snorkelling with his brother in the bay near Tahiti when the vessel, described as fast-moving and unlicensed, struck him. The impact caused severe wounds to his head and chest, and he died at the scene. Local authorities launched an investigation into involuntary manslaughter, but no charges were brought against the driver, despite legal challenges and appeals from Eddie’s family.
Inquest Findings
The inquest heard conflicting evidence regarding the boat’s speed. Witnesses reported the vessel was travelling at high speed, while the driver claimed he was moving slowly. Toxicology tests showed the driver and a passenger had consumed wine before the incident, but alcohol samples came back clear—a point the coroner found difficult to reconcile with other evidence. The coroner returned a narrative conclusion, stating Eddie’s injuries were “immediately fatal” but that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for unlawful killing.
Family’s Response
Eddie’s family expressed their devastation, describing him as a vibrant and adventurous boy. They criticised the lack of accountability and called for greater safety measures in the area. The case has highlighted concerns about unlicensed speedboat operations in popular snorkelling spots.
The coroner noted that while the tragedy was accidental, it underscored the need for stricter enforcement of maritime regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
