7 days ago
Teenager in stable condition after losing arm in jet ski incident on Sydney river
The classmates of a 15-year-old boy killed in a jet ski collision have gathered at the crash site in Sydney's south to pay tribute after the incident on Tuesday.
The boy died and his 14-year-old friend was taken to hospital with a severed arm after their jet ski hit an "obstacle" near Tom Uglys Bridge in Sylvania about 6pm, police said.
The younger boy was in a critical condition on Tuesday, but is now stable, according to Sydney Children's Hospital.
Sutherland Shire Police Area Command Inspector Tim Carter said the pair were riding on the same jet ski at the time of the collision.
"Police were able to quickly enter the water with the help of NSW Ambulance and remove [the 14-year-old] boy to safety, where he received further treatment on the boat ramp," he said.
Inspector Carter said a further search identified the 15-year-old as dead at the scene, where he was removed from the water but unable to be revived.
"At this stage, it would appear the jet ski has collided with an object or obstacle in the water, which has thrown these two boys from the jet ski," he said.
The area around the bridge is heavily trafficked by boats and marine barges.
Fred Nagi, a family friend of the injured 14-year-old, told ABC News he was a "beautiful boy" and experienced jet skier.
Mr Nagi arrived at the scene shortly after the crash last night.
He said there were major safety issues near the bridge that needed to be addressed.
"When the sun is setting, it gets dark [under the bridge] — it's like a blind spot," he said.
"All the barges have no lights on them."
Police divers remain at the scene and spent Wednesday morning scouring the river near a marine barge.
