Tributes paid to 'kind and compassionate' Emily Lewis, 15, who died in boat crash in Solent

Emily Lewis, 15, of Park Gate, was among 12 people - including family members - taken to hospital after the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) collided with a buoy in the Solent.

She was pronounced dead in hospital following the incident between Netley Abbey and Hythe at 10.10am.

The teenager, who was a student at Brookfield School in Sarisbury Green, was named by police on Monday and her family have paid tribute to her.

In a statement, they said: ‘Our beautiful daughter Emily passed away on Saturday.

‘We suffered from broken bones, 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 available to express our deep sense of loss.’

It is understood that her father Simon, mother Nikki and 19-year-old sister Amy were also on the boat, and that both her mother and sister suffered broken arms.

Stuart Parkes, head teacher at Brookfield School, said: ‘Emily was a kind and compassionate young lady who cared deeply about those around her.

‘Her caring showed no bounds; from volunteering to support new students through to becoming a student leader with aspirations to help shape the education of every student in our school.

‘She was a creative soul who loved textiles and design and who showed great potential. She was motivated and dedicated to her studies, a positive example to all.

‘Emily was a bright, conscientious student who will be sorely missed by all staff and students at Brookfield.’

Police say they are investigating the exact circumstances of the collision and continue to appeal for any information or footage that could help.

A Hampshire police statement said: ‘Were you on a ferry heading to East Cowes from Southampton at 10am?

‘Perhaps you were out on the water on Saturday August 22, between Netley Abbey and Hythe Pier?

‘Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation Orange.’

Information and visually recorded evidence can also be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal here: mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC20W09-PO1

SEE ALSO: Fire crews tackle retail bin blaze

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.