A teenage cruise ship passenger from Florida became Nassau’s latest jet-ski victim over the weekend.
Last night, there was a new call for tighter jet-ski controls after 19-year-old Jose Ruben Reyes was seriously injured off Cabbage Beach on Saturday.
The youth was riding a rented high-powered machine when it was in collision with another jet-ski. He was dragged ashore with what were thought to be severe chest and hand injuries.
A nursing team from Atlantis was quick to respond and oxygen was being administered to the distressed victim as he lay on the beach waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Eventually, he was stretchered from the beach after an ambulance crew had stabilised his neck and back. He was then rushed to hospital.
A tourist who saw the aftermath of the collision said: “This poor guy was pulled off the machine and on to the beach. I dread to think what that might have done to him if he had spinal injuries.”
The Tribune was on the scene within minutes of the crash. Distraught friends and relatives surrounded Mr Reyes as he tried to communicate through his oxygen mask.
One said: “He was on the Carnival cruise ship and was only here for the day. He has been complaining of chest pains and I believe his right wrist is also broken.”
The incident sparked off more calls for jet-ski controls.
One resident described the scene at Cabbage Beach over the weekend as “mayhem – a jet-ski free-for-all in which injuries are inevitable.”
Hoteliers have called repeatedly for proper licensing and zoning procedures, and tougher enforcement of existing regulations.
But most jet-ski operators continue to engage in highly dangerous practices, and rent out machines to people who have no idea how to ride them.
One source said: “Some of these operators are the lowest of the low. It was sickening how some of them were laughing among themselves after Saturday’s crash: “They obviously had no interest in the young man’s welfare and were only interested taking people’s money.
“They are a disgrace to the Bahamas. If we had a government with any guts, they would have been dealt with long ago. But no doubt they have political connections, so they are allowed to carry on.”
Critics have repeatedly attacked the way jet-ski operators have commandeered local beaches, forcing swimmers into tightly controlled areas.
They allege jet-skis spoil the environment and create endless hazards for people on the beach and in the sea.
“Some of the operators are little more than children themselves who show off and pose major dangers for everyone in the area,” said one.
“This situation must be taken in hand quickly. Other accidents are bound to happen – and the Bahamas’ image suffers every time.”
Last night, hospital authorities were unable to release Mr Reyes’ condition.
Source: The Tribune
