Tourist, 42, Seriously Injured by Boat Propeller After Jumping into Sea

A Korean tourist has been seriously injured after being struck by a boat propeller off Île aux Bénitiers, Mauritius, on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 11:30 am when the woman reportedly jumped into the water without warning to observe dolphins during a sea excursion.

Incident Details and Rescue

The tourist was aboard a pleasure boat that had departed from La Balise Marina, Rivière-Noire, with a group of ten passengers of various nationalities.

The vessel was approximately 200 metres from the reefs in the area known as Trou-Zaiguille when the woman entered the water from the stern without alerting the skipper or other passengers. She was struck on the left thigh by the boat’s propeller upon falling.

Crew members and passengers immediately raised the alarm, prompting the skipper to stop the engine and recover the victim.

The seriously injured but conscious woman was taken ashore to Le Morne Angler’s Jetty.

Medical Treatment and Investigation

A medical team met the boat at the jetty and subsequently transferred the tourist to Dr Yves Cantin Hospital, Rivière-Noire, before she was moved to Victoria Hospital, Candos, for surgery. She is currently hospitalised, and her condition is reported as stable.

Police Investigation

Tourism Police attended the scene shortly after the incident. The 33-year-old boat skipper underwent a breathalyser test, which returned a negative result. He was later interviewed by investigators, and his statement was recorded.

No professional misconduct has been registered against the skipper at this time. Due to her hospitalisation, the victim has not yet been able to give her deposition. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: l’Express