Greek judicial authorities have ordered an official investigation into a parasailing accident off Rhodes that claimed the lives of two British teenagers and left a third in critical condition. The victims were identified as 15-year-old Jessica Lee-Hayes and her 13-year-old cousin Michael Connelly, both from Kettering. James Connelly, 15, Michael's older brother, remains in a serious condition at Rhodes General Hospital.
The accident occurred when the towrope attached to the trio's parasailing parachute snapped in stormy weather, causing them to be propelled by gale-force winds onto a rocky promontory. The owner of the water sports company, Nikos Mallios, 51, was piloting the speedboat at the time. He was initially detained but later released pending the inquiry's findings, with no conditions set.
Authorities confirmed that the teenagers died from injuries sustained on impact after falling from an extremely high altitude. The island's coastguard chief, Spyros Tatis, has reportedly argued in favour of charges of involuntary manslaughter and grievous bodily harm. His investigation will inform the public prosecutor's final decision.
In the wake of the tragedy, Greek legislation has tightened regulations around water sports. Parasailing now prohibits towing three or more people at once, bans minors under 18 from participating, and strictly forbids the activity in adverse weather conditions. The Lindos-based company's website had advertised tandem rides for children with adults.
This incident follows similar tragedies in the Mediterranean, including a 2011 case in Turkey where a British holidaymaker died after his harness snapped, leading to jail sentences for two men. Last year, an 18-year-old Russian tourist died in Turkey when his parasailing cable broke 200 feet above the sea.
