British teenager killed by speedboat while snorkelling on round-the-world trip, inquest told
A British teenager, Eddie Jarman, died after being struck by a speedboat while snorkelling near his family's anchored boat in Mo’orea Bay, French Polynesia, during a round-the-world sailing trip in 2020. An inquest heard conflicting evidence over the boat's speed and whether the driver had been drinking, but no charges were brought due to insufficient evidence. The coroner concluded the injuries were likely immediately fatal and returned a narrative verdict, unable to rule unlawful killing. Eddie’s family has pursued justice for years and established a charity in his memory to support young musicians.
- ▪Eddie Jarman, 14, was killed by a speedboat's propellers while snorkelling near Tahiti on 9 August 2020.
- ▪The boat was rented by a local lagoon guide who claimed he was under the 20-knot speed limit, though the family disputed this.
- ▪Toxicology tests on the driver were negative for alcohol, but the coroner found it probable he had consumed some.
- ▪French authorities declined to prosecute, citing no realistic prospect of conviction, a decision upheld on appeal.
- ▪Eddie’s family launched a crowdfunder and a music charity in his memory, honoring his passion for music.
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NewsUKHome NewsBritish teenager killed by speedboat while snorkelling on round-the-world trip, inquest toldConflicting evidence was heard over the speed of the boat that hit EddieAnahita Hossein-Pour Tuesday 28 April 2026 17:00 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966587","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/eddie-jarman-death-south-pacific-b2966587.html","title":"Teenager killed by speedboat while snorkelling on round-the-world trip"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-5806","index":0}Edward Jarman had…
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