Jet ski accident in Protaras leaves man in critical condition

A serious maritime accident occurred on Saturday afternoon, August 15, in the Pernera area of Paralimni, Cyprus. A jet ski operated by a 17-year-old girl, with an 18-year-old passenger, collided with a towed sofa-style inflatable vessel carrying five people: two men aged 48 and 43, and three children aged 7, 11, and 13. The collision resulted in severe injuries to the 48-year-old man and his 7-year-old daughter.

The 7-year-old girl, who suffered a skull fracture, was taken to Makarios Hospital, where her condition remains stable and out of danger. The 48-year-old man, who sustained multiple pelvic and body injuries, was initially treated at Famagusta General Hospital before being transferred to Nicosia General Hospital, where he remains in extremely critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Authorities, including the Famagusta CID and Paralimni Police, are actively investigating the circumstances of the crash. The probe focuses on how a minor was operating the jet ski and whether she held the required permits, as well as identifying the person who rented the vessel. Police are also examining potential criminal offenses under the newly passed but reportedly inactive 2026 legislation regarding recreational navigation.