Jetboat rides can be fun, exciting, and fast-paced but also dangerous. Recreational and tour-guided jetboats often operate recklessly and may cause accidents and serious injuries. Contact a maritime lawyer for legal options if you get hurt in a jetboat accident.
What Is a Jetboat?
A jetboat, or jet boat, is propelled by a jet of water that ejects from the back of the boat. The jet draws water into a pump jet in the boat, which then expels the water through a nozzle at the stern. This is different from motorboats, which use an external propeller under the boat or at the stern.
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A New Zealand engineer invented the modern jetboat design. He wanted a boat that could travel up the country’s rivers where the water was too shallow for a propeller. Jetboats are used commercially as ferries, pilot boats, police patrol vessels, and military vessels. They are also used in recreation and racing.
What Are the Dangers of Jetboats?
The lack of a propeller makes jetboats safer for swimmers and aquatic wildlife. However, these types of boats can also be dangerous. They can travel at high speeds, and the nature of the propulsion means that they can maneuver, stop, and speed up very quickly.
These attributes make jetboats fun to operate and ride in but can also make them dangerous. Many recreational tour companies offering jetboat rides provide passengers with fast, fun rides involving a lot of quick maneuvering.
Even with experienced operators, jetboat rides can be risky. Non-commercial jet boats are often operated by inexperienced people. They don’t necessarily understand the nuances of operating these vessels and how they differ from traditional motorboats. Operators under the influence of drugs or alcohol increase the risks of an accident.
Traveling in shallow waters, like rivers, also poses a danger when using jetboats. It’s easy to hit submerged objects or run aground, which can eject passengers or cause them to strike each other or objects in the boat.
As with any vessel, inadequate training, lack of safety gear, and malfunctioning equipment can lead to accidents and resulting injuries.
Types of Injuries in Jetboat Accidents
Injuries in jetboat accidents are usually related to being thrown from the boat or striking objects within the boat:
- Contusions
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
If victims are thrown from the boat in deep water and without a life jacket, a jetboat accident can be fatal, resulting in drownings.
Examples of Jetboat Accidents
The number of examples of accidents and injuries occurring with jetboats illustrates how dangerous they can be.
Broken Back on Oregon Jetboat
A man who was injured on a jetboat tour ride on the Willamette River filed a lawsuit against the company, seeking $850,000. The man claims that the wild ride provided by the operator resulted in a fractured vertebra as well as torn nerves, muscles, and tendons.
The victim described the ride as having many quick turns, starts, and stops. He also said the operator intentionally drove through a larger boat’s wake. The jetboat did not have adequate cushioning or handholds to protect passengers.
Injuries in Jetboat Grounding
A jetboat operating in Canterbury, New Zealand, hit a patch of gravel, causing it to roll over. Five members of a family on the jetboat were seriously injured and were flown to a hospital. Injuries included a broken leg, spinal injury, and head injury.
Jetboat Operator Under the Influence
Another jetboat accident occurred in New Zealand in 2022. The commercial tour vessel was carrying 23 passengers. The operator misjudged a turn and struck a rocky outcrop while traveling at 50 miles per hour. He then struck another rock.
The accident caused some injuries, including a broken arm and facial injuries. The operator was found to have drugs in his system and had a blood alcohol content 50% higher than is legally allowed for operating a vehicle on the road in New Zealand.
Missing Person in Idaho Jetboat Accident
A man went missing and is presumed to have drowned in a jetboat incident on the Snake River in Idaho in 2023. The jetboat hit a rock, which made a hole in the bottom of the vessel. As the boat continued down the river, it got stuck in gravel. As they waited for assistance, a passenger left the boat to get into the water but couldn’t get back to it. He was not recovered.
What to Do if You Were Injured in a Jetboat Accident
The most important thing to do after a jetboat accident is to get medical attention. Injuries in these accidents can be severe and may require emergency medical care. Once you are stable, consider taking legal action.
Certain maritime laws apply to jetboat incidents. The laws can be confusing, so it’s important to consult with an experienced maritime lawyer. They can review the accident and your injuries to determine which laws apply and help you recover damages.
If negligence played a role in your injuries, you can most likely sue the operator or tour company and seek compensation. Working with a maritime lawyer gives you the best chance of getting the compensation you need for medical expenses and other costs associated with your injuries.