More bad news, unfortunately... Jet Ski Accident

[plongdin]

I have never commented on what I consider to be a "controversy brewing" thread before but this one deserves it. This was a horrific incident but there is really nothing that happened that is specific to Negril. "STUPID" happens everywhere and includes those who uploaded and are viewing a video of this. And lastly to those who want better emergency facilities (but also the cheapest possible vacation costs of course!) there has been a fund raising effort to that end for several years. Here is the link for those who are interested http://www.negrilinternationalwellne...al-nih-launch/. Perhaps a donation would be a nice thing to do in memory of this lost life. One last thing I would like to share - in December our son and his wife, who are both RNs, did their best to save a man on a Hawaiian Beach who was having a heart attack. Unfortunately they were not able to do so and the gentleman died. Obviously location is not a guarantee.

[KCJazznBBQ]

This is so sad and my heart goes out to the friends and family of the gentleman who passed.

While it is quite obvious there needs to be a hospital in Negril (or in very close proximity), there also needs to be an ambulance STATIONED in Negril at all times.

I realize re$ource$ are limited and this idea may sound naive, however, this type of service may be paid for through an "Emergency Assistance Fund" (or something similarly named) paid by tourists and/or business owners who visit and operate in Negril. Of course, no one wants to pay MORE for anything, but this could've been you, your loved one or your friend.

All the money in the world can't help you when you have a tragic accident, but the peace of mind to know that your loved one received the best medical treatment, as quickly as possible, far outweighs a few extra dollars out of your pocket.

[Flipadelphia26]

The driver of the jetski is in custody.

[Jamerican71]

The driver of the jetski is in custody.

He turned himself in. He's a young fella that made a very terrible mistake and now the repercussions are bigger then any of us could ever imagine.

[Sheba]

He turned himself in. He's a young fella that made a very terrible mistake and now the repercussions are bigger then any of us could ever imagine.

Psalm 129

Prayer:

Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord hear my voice. Let Thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it? For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness, and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord. My soul has relied on His word, my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plentiful redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

R.I.P.

[Wisconsin gal]

Though someone posted the hotel earlier in this thread, we were at the opposite end (past Margaritaville) at Christmas and we had them buzzing by nonstop. Very few tourists, rather, the operators were buzzing right along the swim markers. At times they were not even watching ahead of themselves, rather, they were watching the beach. We commented at that time how close they were to the buoys.
Moral of my post- use extreme caution when swimming outside of the markers, even by a little bit. This is a terribly sad story with a terribly sad ending.... And many tragic happenings throughout (filming, no police, no ambulance).
Just sad.......

[saeyedoc]

Looks like the video has been removed, good

[jamaicamarylance]

So sad.....so sad. My heart goes out to the wife and family. So glad they removed the video....sick people. If I was there I think I would gave that person taking the video...............a I dunno. Something that's for sure.

[Melody]

My heart goes out to the family. I certainly don't condone filming the video or posting it on you tube, but I did watch it. It shows the wonderful people doing the best they knew how to try to save him, and it shows two policemen looking on and then leaving. The newspaper report stated the police did not arrive until sometime later. The video proves that to be incorrect. Regardless of how distasteful and morally questionable the filming and posting was, it provides indisputable evidence of what occurred - that police were there and apparently not trained to handle the situation. In the right hands, that could be a catalyst for positive change.

One newspaper article states the Maritime Authority is legally responsible to ensure all watercraft is registered and safe practices are followed (something to that effect). I wonder if that will be put to the test now?

[sandy-girl]

My heart goes out to the family. I certainly don't condone filming the video or posting it on you tube, but I did watch it. It shows the wonderful people doing the best they knew how to try to save him, and it shows two policemen looking on and then leaving. The newspaper report stated the police did not arrive until sometime later. The video proves that to be incorrect. Regardless of how distasteful and morally questionable the filming and posting was, it provides indisputable evidence of what occurred - that police were there and apparently not trained to handle the situation. In the right hands, that could be a catalyst for positive change.

One newspaper article states the Maritime Authority is legally responsible to ensure all watercraft is registered and safe practices are followed (something to that effect). I wonder if that will be put to the test now?

The article states, "According to hoteliers, there was no ambulance available to take the tourist to the hospital and the police took a long time to respond to the incident."


http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=50776


The video just proves that they were there doing nothing, not how long it took for them to get there. Just standing there like spectators and walking away from the crowd while others work hard to resuscitate the deceased. I guess the police don't know anything about CPR or crowd control.

Even-though, that video is disrespectful to the victim and his family, it speaks volumes on how unprepared Negril is for these types of emergencies. As per hoteliers, in a Jamaican newspaper; no ambulance, police late in arriving, and we all know there is no hospital in the immediate area--closest one is approximately 45 min to 1 hour away, minimum.

Glad that business owners are starting to speak up and to the press, as government inaction might be affecting their bottom line when things like this happen. It's a about the $$$.

Buy insurance and keep the private ambulance number handy, just in case. If all else fails - call your trusty, neighborhood charter taxi to take you to a Mobay hospital.

Ya Man!