Injured By Speedboat

A man has been injured by speedboat propellers after he was thrown from a rubber ring being dragged by the vessel.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said he was hurt on Sunday after falling out of the doughnut in the Aberdovey Estuary in Dyfed, Wales.

His lower back and legs were seriously injured when the boat came to retrieve him from the water and he was struck by the propellers.

The man was rescued from the water by the four occupants of the boat and then towed back to Ynys Las Beach, near Borth, by the RNLI.

Before being airlifted to hospital by an RAF rescue helicopter, the man received medical treatment at the shore when he was met by an ambulance and Borth Coastguard Rescue Team.

Milford Haven Coastguard watch manager Graham Warlow said: "Thrill rides are inherently dangerous and people need to carefully consider whether their skipper has the necessary expertise and safety equipment before they jump in.

"We'd like to thank the ambulance service, RNLI and RAF for their swift response but also take this opportunity to remind everyone that for the swiftest response to accidents at the seaside phone 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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Toni Long of Law Firm Irwin Mitchell said: "Speed boat propeller accidents often lead to amputation of limbs and even death.  People who organise these hazardous pursuits need to ensure they take steps to guarantee the safety of their customers.

"People taking part in outdoor pursuits activities also need to take steps to protect themselves and make sure there is adequate insurance cover in place should they be unfortunate enough to suffer an accident."