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Shocking video shows jet-ski ploughing onto a Sheppey beach

This is the horrifying moment an out-of-control jet-ski suddenly skidded onto a beach and narrowly missed a family sitting on the pebbles.

The video was captured by shocked windsurfer Denis Gordo at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey.

Jet-ski crash video by Denis Gordo

He said: "I saw two boys aged about eight and 15 riding a big jet-ski and then crash onto the beach.

"The boys were thrown off and the machine nearly hit a group of people. It was a miracle nobody was seriously hurt. It was horrifying."

He said the younger boy landed on his face and there was "a lot of blood".

He added: "The owner claims it was a technical malfunction but either way, kids should not be allowed to ride an 800lb powerful machine like that.

A jet-ski with two people on board went out of control and crashed onto the shingle bank beach at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: Denis Gordo
A jet-ski with two people on board went out of control and crashed onto the shingle bank beach at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. Picture: Denis Gordo

"If this had happened the day before when the beach was packed the consequences could have been much worse."

He added: "We have had a lot incidents on this beach with jet-skiers not following the rules and riding irresponsibly in a dangerous manner. They are putting others' lives at risk and causing anxiety and worry among swimmers, windsurfers, kayakers and other water-users.

"Some of my windsurfing friends don't use this beach any more because of the jet-skiers."

The crash happened on Sunday, June 28, at 3.45pm and was captured on Mr Gordo's helmet camera.

Mr Gordo, from Aylesford, says he has another video from last year when a jet-skier changed course without warning and nearly hit him and his wife as they were windsurfing.

Jet-ski near-miss video by Denis Gordo

Among those on the shingle bank when the boys lost control was a dad. He wrote on Facebook: "From what I’ve been told, there was a problem with the ski. The people who did it nearly hit my family. Just thank God no one was hurt."

Mr Gordo says Coastguards managed to track down the jet-ski's owner.

HM Coastguard issued a warning about personal water craft safety on June 29 after a spate of incidents which included two deaths.

Richy Williams, senior coastal operations officer, said: “The majority of PWC (personal water craft) and motor craft users operate their vessels responsibly. But there are some who don’t respect the water, the capabilities of their vessels and other water users.

“Jet-skis, PWCs and motor vessels can be powerful machines, so always operate your vessel within the limits of your, and your vessel’s, capabilities. Be aware of the presence of other water-users and ensure that you are aware of the impact your activities have on others."

A packed shingle bank at Minster, Sheppey, in May this year
A packed shingle bank at Minster, Sheppey, in May this year

Jet-skis, or personal water craft, are allowed to launch at Minster and at the Kingsferry Bridge which is home to Swale's Long Reach Ski Club. Craft should not go faster than 8 knots (10mph) within 300m of the shore.

Riders are advised to pack a hand-held VHF radio or mobile phone in a dry bag, have a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and emergency flares and always wear a 'kill cord' which cuts the engine if they fall off.

In an emergency, contact the Coastguard on 999 or VHF channel 16. If you see any rider acting irresponsibly, endangering other water-users or breaking the law you should report this to Kent Police on 01622 798565 (marine unit) or 01622 690690.

An earlier version of this story was illustrated with a stock photo of a jet-skier on the same beach a month before. We want to make it clear that this rider was not involved in the crash on the beach in any way.

A jet-skier had to be rescued by a hovercraft when he went aground at Deadman's Island, Queenborough.

'Reckless' jet-skiers have been accused of turning the seaside at Herne Bay into the 'wild west'.

A city council has caused outrage after blocking up a launching ramp after complaints.

Read more: Stories from the Isle of Sheppey here

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