Needles. Image © Isle of Wight Photo Agency.
News Update see below*: Following our news yesterday: Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed the death of teenage boy who was injured on board the rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) off the coast of The Needles on the Isle of Wight on Friday, July 20, 2012.
The boy, aged 14 from Surrey, was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital. He had been airlifted from the boat by a Coastguard rescue helicopter.
Immediate next-of-kin have been informed, but police will not be in a position to confirm the boy’s name in the media until all formal identification procedures have been completed.
The death is not being treated as suspicious. An initial post-mortem examination is due to take place in the next few days. Police will prepare a file for HM Coroner who has been informed. HM Coastguard has notified the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Floyd Higginson of Hampshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Department said: “Although the death is not being treated as suspicious, it is routine procedure for specialist detectives to make initial enquiries into the sudden death of someone aged under 18.
“We are providing support for the other three people on board the boat to help ensure their welfare, and to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death. A second 14-year-old boy from Surrey received a serious injury, which was not life-threatening. He is receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight. An adult man and a third 14-year-old boy from Surrey were not injured.
“The rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was taken by Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit to Hamble from Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight on Friday, July 20, 2012 to be secured as evidence pending further enquiries.
“Police would like to thank HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the NHS for their considerable assistance during the response to this emergency.”
* News Updated Sat 14:55 additional information
Hampshire Constabulary is now able to confirm more information: The privately-owned boat was travelling from Dorset to the Isle of Wight with four people from Surrey on board.
The four people were:
A 14-year-old boy, who later died, and his father, a man aged in his
50s, who was the driver and owner of the boat. Two other boys, both aged 14, who are school friends of the family.
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