The parents of Eddie Jarman, a 14-year-old musician killed by a speedboat while snorkeling in Tahiti, have condemned the dismissal of a manslaughter investigation, alleging negligence and reckless driving by the boat's pilot.
A tragic incident unfolded in August 2020 when 14-year-old Eddie Jarman , a gifted musician and student at Cumnor House, Danehill, lost his life in a devastating accident while snorkeling near Mo'orea, Tahiti.
The young boy was checking the anchor of his family's yacht in Opunohu Bay when a fast-moving, unlicensed speedboat struck him, causing catastrophic injuries to his chest and head. The boat, piloted by a local man with his girlfriend beside him, was traveling through a navigation channel used by vessels approaching the beach. Despite immediate efforts by emergency teams to save Eddie, he was pronounced dead in Afareaitu later that day.
The family, who were on a round-the-world trip, described the ordeal as a nightmare that shattered their lives. Eddie's parents, Harry Jarman and Barbara Genda, have since been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted by French Polynesian authorities. They believe the speedboat was traveling too fast and too close to their yacht, and they suspect the pilot was driving under the influence of alcohol.
The couple in the speedboat had reportedly consumed wine during lunch and had been partying until 2am the previous night. However, blood tests conducted on the pilot came back negative for alcohol, a result Eddie's parents dispute. They claim the investigation was flawed and that repeated attempts to question the evidence were ignored by local authorities.
The inquest in Brighton heard that Eddie, who was wearing an orange snorkel with a red tip, was clearly visible to other sailors in the area. His mother, Barbara Genda, testified that a witness in a boat 50 meters away could see Eddie, making it inconceivable that the speedboat driver did not notice him.
The speedboat pilot, whose navigation license had expired, told French Polynesian police that he felt the boat hit something underwater, initially thinking it was a piece of wood or a turtle. Eddie's father, Harry Jarman, described the speedboat as traveling at full speed, practically skimming the water's surface, and accused the pilot of reckless driving. The family's yacht was anchored in Opunohu Bay, and Eddie had strayed up to 15 meters away while snorkeling.
The inquest also revealed that the speedboat was thought to be traveling within the 20-knot speed limit, but Eddie's parents believe it was moving much faster. Moments after the collision, Eddie's parents heard the woman in the speedboat shouting and saw their son being cradled in the water, covered in blood. Despite their efforts to save him, Eddie succumbed to his injuries.
The manslaughter investigation launched in Tahiti was later dismissed by a judge, a decision that Eddie's parents strongly condemned. They have called for justice for their son, arguing that the pilot's actions were negligent and reckless. The inquest concluded with area coroner Joe Turner stating that Eddie had been snorkeling in a horizontal position when he was hit by the boat propeller, suffering traumatic injuries that led to his untimely death.
The family's quest for accountability continues as they seek answers and justice for their beloved son
Eddie Jarman Tahiti Accident Speedboat Collision Manslaughter Investigation Family's Quest For Justice
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