Warning over increase in 'dangerous' jet ski incidents in Langstone Harbour including 'mock attack'

Langstone Harbour master Billy Johnson, who took over the post in July, said this summer had seen a spike in incidents.

Further afield in the Solent, Gosport and Fareham Inshore Lifeboat Rescue urged the public to take extra precautions after attending a record number of incidents including jet skis crashing into each other during the August heatwave

Across the country it is an ongoing issue for many. A fatal crash off the Welsh coast last month involving a 52-year-old boat passenger who was on a vessel that collided with a jet ski served to highlight the ‘extremely dangerous’ nature of the motor propelled machines - even if people are not on a jet ski.

‘There has been an increase in anti-social behaviour and dangerous incidents from jet skiers in the harbour this summer,’ Mr Johnson said.

‘Not all people on jet skis are idiots - most are responsible maritimers.

‘I like people using the water but we have to work together to improve safety. It is sad to see the increasing number of incidents.

‘Jet skis are extremely dangerous things and can cause a lot of damage and put people in danger.’

Langstone Harbour imposes byelaws on those using the water including a speed limit of 10 knots and five knots at the Langstone Marina approach. One jet skier had to cough up £6,500 for speeding following an appearance at Portsmouth Crown Court in July 2015 - underlining the seriousness of the offence.

Following the growing number of recent incidents Mr Johnson said he was looking at the possibility of jet ski users achieving qualifications before they can use the harbour.

‘I would like the input on jet skiers on this to help us improve the situation and better manage things ahead of next summer, though the season hasn’t quite ended yet,’ he said.

The harbour's board has documented plans to stamp out reckless behaviour on the sea.

The September minutes read: ‘Patrol staff have been working with Hampshire Marine Police Unit to improve enforcement presence on the water over the busier than normal summer.

‘The harbour is issuing warnings following reports made by Hampshire Police Marine Unit and intends to conduct further enforcement of byelaw contraventions on the basis of these.’

It comes after maritime minister Nusrat Ghani helped launch the government’s Maritime Safety Action Plan last year to cut deaths on the water. It also included a consultation on the safety of jet skis.

In Langstone Harbour people have complained at the nuisance jet skis have caused them.

Richard Lanchester, 72, said members of his family - including a child - were enjoying a dip in the harbour during the August heatwave when they were subjected to a ‘frightening mock attack’ by jet skiers.

‘A jet ski came into the shallow water where two members of my family were and slowed down before the rider suddenly went full throttle while turning at 180 degrees creating a powerful splash all over them,’ he said.

‘They were laughing and shouting. It was a mock attack that was clearly their idea of a sick joke.

‘It was a frightening incident that left my family scared. It could have been extremely dangerous as there is a risk of flying gravel from sand and shingle when doing such a manoeuvre in shallow water.

‘The jet ski then went off and did another mock attack on a small fishing vessel.’

Mr Lanchester said police and the Langstone Harbour master were called but the jet skiers fled. The Havant resident said the harbour master was swamped on that particular day in trying to keep order. ‘He was so outnumbered and no-one was paying attention to the speed limit,’ he said.

‘I was told there were 40 jet ski launches that day with 20 in the sea at any one time.’

A jet skier, who did not want to be named, told The News: ‘We know we are the most hated people on the water but most of us are responsible.

‘There are some jet skiers who give us a bad name but most of us are not like we are portrayed and behave respectfully.’

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