Video footage appeal after girl (15) dies in speedboat crash

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and video footage after a 15-year-old girl died following a speedboat accident off the New Forest coast.

The collision with a buoy happened on Southampton Water at about 10.10am on Saturday, at a point between Hythe pier and Netley Abbey.

Twelve people who were on the craft were taken to hospital, some for serious injuries. The teenager was pronounced dead in hospital.

Police have not formally named the victim but she has been identified in reports as Emily Lewis, from Park Gate in Southampton.

In a statement issued through Hampshire police today (Monday), Emily’s paid tribute to her. 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.”

Hampshire Constabulary said the girl’s next of kin were being supported by specialist officers.

The teenager was killed when the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) she was on hit a navigation buoy as high winds battered the south coast.

Two others were flung into the water, suffering minor injuries. The 15-year-old, who was on the charter boat with her family, suffered fatal impact injuries as a result of the high speed crash.

Mr Lewis, his wife Nikki and Emily’s older sister Amy (19) had all been on the RIB which was heading into the Solent when it struck the navigation buoy.

Mrs Lewis and Amy both suffered broken arms.

Police are investigating alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

Yesterday (Sunday) officers appealed in particular for witnesses to submit any footage they might have of the incident.

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.

“We know that there was a ferry heading towards East Cowes, Isle of Wight, which left Southampton at 10am. Were you on this ferry, and did you see or record any of this incident?

“Equally, were you out on the water on Saturday 22nd August between 9.30am and 10.30am, in Southampton Water between Netley Abbey and Hythe Pier?”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation Orange. Evidence can also be submitted via the major incident public portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC20W09-PO1.

This article was updated on Monday 24th August after further information was released by Hampshire police.