A man from Jamea Village in Vella La Vella, Western Province tragically lost his life after being struck by an outboard motor (OBM) propeller.
The accident occurred at the Gizo seafront near the popular KHY betelnut area, commonly known as the Buni Tree, between 4-5pm late Thursday afternoon.
The unfortunate incident has left the Gizo community reeling with shock because it was witnessed by many onlookers at the KHY seafront.
An eyewitness who spoke to the Solomon Star recounted that the victim was the skipper of a new 60 horsepower (hp) outboard motor (OBM) ray boat and was traveling at high speed past the KHY area.
On the way it met a number small waves and floating debris.
In an attempt to avoid the obstacles, the driver suddenly steered the boat into another direction.
Unfortunately, both the driver and the passenger were thrown overboard during the sudden maneuver.
The other person managed to swim safely to shore.
“While in the water, instead of swimming away, the deceased tried to stay afloat near the boat in an effort to climb back on to turn off the outboard motor,” the eyewitness said.
“During that time, the unmanned outboard motor began to circle erratically, performing what appeared to be several ‘donuts’ on the water.
“It was on the fifth pass that the driver misjudged the timing and was struck on the head by the propeller, causing instant fatal injuries,” the eyewitness explained.
Despite shouts from onlookers at the Buni seafront urging him to swim away from the circling boat, the man remained focused on re-boarding.
Moments after the impact, he was seen sinking beneath the water. Divers from the Gizo Dive Shop, operated by Danny Kennedy, responded promptly and managed to retrieve the man who sank beneath the water bottom and was rushed to Gizo Hospital.
The spinning rayboat boat was stopped by another boat from Ringi, Kolombangara by hit the boat and another man jumped into the boat to switch off the OBM.
The deceased was pronounced dead on arrival at the Gizo Hospital.
Its unclear whether alcohol was involved in the incident or not as authorities continue with their investigation.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for greater awareness around safe boating practices, especially in busy public waterfront areas.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
