Father pays tribute to Emily Lewis, 15, who died in Solent RIB crash

Dad Simon Lewis said his family is in shock at the loss of his daughter Emily Lewis, 15, and is feeling a ‘deep sense of loss’ following her death in a fatal boat crash in the Solent.

Mr Lewis had been on a charter RIB boat along with his wife, Nikki, and Emily’s older sister Amy, 19, when the incident happened between Netley Abbey and Hythe on Saturday.

The boat reportedly hit a navigation buoy.

Speaking on behalf of his family, who live in Park Gate, Mr Lewis said: ‘Nikki and I need to share some very tragic news today.

‘Our beautiful daughter Emily… passed away.

‘We were all involved in a boating accident in the Solent and Emily suffered serious trauma and died not long after we got to hospital.’

He added: ‘I have pain but no breaks but the emotional pain far outweighs the physical.

‘We are all in shock that our beautiful daughter and sister is no longer with us and words just don't seem to be available to express our deep sense of loss.’

A neighbour of the family, who asked not to be named, described Emily as ‘a lovely girl’.

The woman said: ‘They are a delightful family and Emily was a lovely girl. It’s just so very, very sad. My heart goes out to them.’

In total there were 12 people onboard the vessel who were taken to hospital after the crash at around 10.10am on Saturday morning.

A boat owner at Ocean Village Marina said he saw the damaged RIB, being brought back into harbour after the tragic accident.

Hampshire Constabulary is investigating the incident alongside the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the crash or has video footage to come forward.

SEE ALSO: Sailor says conditions were difficult at time that girl died in Southampton Water

Detective superintendent Neil Corrigan said: ‘This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the young girl's family at this difficult time.

‘We are now building a picture of what happened on the water that day, and the circumstances leading up to this collision.

‘It is important that we gather as much visual evidence as we can, as well as accounts from any witnesses.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and to quote Operation Orange.

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