A 48-year-old Greek Cypriot man is fighting for his life following the jet ski crash in the Pernera area of Protaras on Saturday, after a jet ski driven by a 17-year-old collided with an inflatable towable carrying five people.
According to a police update, the 48-year-old is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit at Nicosia General Hospital and his condition is described as extremely critical.
His seven-year-old daughter, who suffered a head injury in the collision, is being treated at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia in stable condition.
The accident happened around midday on Saturday in the Pernera area of Paralimni.
What happened
According to police, a jet ski operated by a 17-year-old Greek Cypriot girl, with an 18-year-old passenger, collided under circumstances still being investigated with a towable inflatable sofa carrying five people.
Those on the inflatable included two men aged 48 and 43, along with three children aged 13, 11 and 7.
The 7-year-old suffered a skull fracture and was taken to Makarios Hospital.
The 48-year-old suffered multiple injuries to his pelvis and other parts of his body. He was initially taken to Famagusta General Hospital in Paralimni before his condition deteriorated and he was transferred urgently to Nicosia General Hospital.
Police investigate jet ski rental
Famagusta police are taking statements as part of their investigation into the circumstances of the jet ski crash, including why the 17-year-old was operating the jet ski.
The two girls are believed to have rented the jet ski from a licensed water sports operator.
Police are examining whether the rental and use of the jet ski complied with the applicable regulations. A statement is also expected from the operator of the second vessel to which the inflatable was attached.
The water sport involved is operated by a different licensed company from the one that rented out the jet ski.
The investigation will determine whether any criminal offences were committed and whether charges should be brought against any individuals.
The Deputy Ministry of Shipping is assisting the police investigation as the competent authority for licensing speedboats and issuing operator licences.
What the law says
The Recreational Navigation in the Republic and Other Related Matters Law of 2026 sets out requirements for operating vessels and personal watercraft, including jet skis.
Under the legislation, a vessel operator’s licence is generally issued to people aged at least 18 who have completed approved training and passed the required examinations. A learner’s operator licence may be issued to a person who has reached the age of 17.
The law also provides specific conditions under which people without an operator’s licence may use certain vessels rented by licensed water sports businesses, within defined geographical and time limits.
Jet skis fall under Category B vessels.
The legislation also places potential responsibility on vessel owners or their representatives if they knowingly or negligently allow a vessel to be operated in a manner that constitutes an offence.
Investigation continues
Police are continuing to collect evidence and statements to establish the exact circumstances of the collision.
The jet ski and other vessels involved must also be legally registered and hold the required operating licences.
Also read: Lifeguard certification system deemed flawed – Changes coming in 2027
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