An inquest in Brighton has revisited the circumstances surrounding the 2020 death of Eddie Jarman, a 14-year-old British-Polish teenager, who was struck and killed by a speedboat while snorkelling off the coast of Mo'orea, near Tahiti. The core of the inquiry has focused on the speed and proximity of the vessel to the family yacht, alongside questions about the pilot's state at the time of the incident.
Eddie's parents, Harry Jarman and Barbara Genda, have sharply criticized the decision not to pursue charges of involuntary manslaughter against the speedboat's pilot. They contend the boat was travelling "too fast" and "too close" to their yacht, and they believe the pilot was operating the vessel "drunk and recklessly."
The driver, identified as a local lagoon guide who had rented the five-metre boat for the day, stated in interviews with French Polynesian police that he felt his boat hit something while navigating the channel. He claimed he was travelling under the 20-knot speed limit and had adjusted his speed. However, toxicology results from samples taken on the day of the incident were reported as clear, a finding his family has contested. The driver and his passenger also confirmed they had shared a bottle of wine at lunch prior to the collision.
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The inquest heard that Eddie had gone snorkelling to check the anchor of his family's yacht and to observe marine life. He was swimming approximately 15 metres from the vessel when the collision occurred. The boat's propeller inflicted severe injuries to his head and chest, leading to his death.
The coroner, Mr. Turner, stated he could not reach a conclusion of unlawful killing, as the presented circumstances did not meet all the necessary legal criteria. Instead, a narrative conclusion was delivered. The driver also acknowledged having consumed alcohol the day before the incident, attending a party with other instructors.
Eddie Jarman, described as a talented musician with a passion for piano, violin, and double bass, was on a round-the-world sailing trip with his family. This extended adventure, which had begun two years prior after the family sold their home, was nearing its end. His family plans to honour his memory by auctioning his instruments to support further musical endeavours for other children. They are also arranging for his body to be brought back to the UK for burial in his home village of West Hoathly.
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