By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TRANSPORT Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis, responding to a string of maritime accidents, said many accidents are preventable, emphasising that “personal accountability and responsibility must also take a lead in safeguarding the industry”.

Her comments to The Tribune yesterday followed the drowning of a 46-year-old man in Bimini over the weekend after his jet ski overturned, leaving him struggling to stay afloat. Videos of the man being carried ashore and lying unresponsive circulated widely on social media.

The incident is the latest in a series of maritime accidents. Earlier this month, police reported a boating collision that severely injured a US marine who was free diving near a Naval Base in Andros. A white open-hull boat with two 150HP outboard engines struck the diver and failed to stop. He was assisted to shore and later airlifted to the United States for treatment.

On Friday, a man was bitten after jumping into the water to swim with sharks after docking his boat in Exuma. He was taken to New Providence for treatment with non life-threatening injuries. 

Mrs Coleby-Davis said several measures have been introduced to improve oversight and regulation following years of complaints about poor enforcement in the sector.

Last year, the government amended multiple maritime laws, including the Boat Registration Act, which now requires a surveyor’s report before a vessel can be licenced. The minister said this change was prompted by a series of boating accidents and is intended to identify structural issues before vessels are approved for use.

Additionally, she confirmed that a 74-page safety manual for jet ski operators and other maritime activities was launched last year. The manual outlines protocols for watersports, emergency procedures, required safety equipment, warnings about carbon monoxide poisoning, and hurricane preparedness tips.

“Further, the Port Department continues to engage directly with jet ski and boat operators on safety issues on a regular basis,” she added.

“As minister, I also wish to add that there must be a level of personal accountability and responsibility.”

“We encourage jet ski operators to always wear life vests. We check for it as part of safety checks, however, operators must ensure they wear it. Further, we continue to warn operators to be mindful of operating watercrafts and boats near the shoreline.”

Concerns about safety in the industry have long been raised. In December 2023, former Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) president Robert Sands announced the association would establish a task force to examine watersports and beach activity concerns.

In November, he said the task force had made progress in identifying compliance issues, licensing requirements, insurance matters, and vetting problems affecting the sector. However, he did not provide specifics.