Teenage boy killed in a freak boat propeller accident while on a rubber tube
A teenage boy has been killed in a tragic accident while being towed behind a boat on a rubber tube and thrust into the boat’s propeller.
An investigation is under way after a teenage boy was killed in a freak boating accident in New Zealand, struck by a propeller while being towed on a tube.
Billy Crabb was with a friend on a sea biscuit that was being dragged behind the boat at Pauanui surf beach, near Coromandel on the North Island, at 3.45pm yesterday, the New Zealand Herald reports.
The 13-year-old was hit by the propeller and died at the scene, while his 16-year-old friend was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
Friends and family today remembered Billy as a promising young rugby player and a “true leader” in his school community.
Hinuera Rugby and Sports Club posted a tribute to the teen on Facebook saying he was a “fantastic captain, a true leader and an outstanding rugby talent who represented our club with pride and achieved at representative level”.
“It is with incredible sadness that we learn of the tragic passing of one our young club members, Billy Crabb,” the club wrote.
“An amazing role model to his peers and our young junior rugby players. We were very lucky to have him as part of our club.
“Our thoughts, love and prayers go out to (the) family, long-time members and supporters of our club. Our collective hearts are hurting so badly for you all.”
Matamata College Principal Alan Munro said Billy, a Year 9 student at the school, was strong academically as well as in sports.
“The school was shocked and saddened to hear of the accidental death of Year 9 Matamata College student Billy Crabb yesterday afternoon,” Mr Munro said.
“Billy was a positive all-round student with strengths academically as well as on the sports field. Well-liked by his peers and staff and his loss of life has hit our school and wider community hard.
“The school is handling this tragedy as best we can, and our Incident Response Action plan has been actioned to support staff and students.
“Guidance staff have been on hand to support students and this will continue during the week ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time as they are with the families of other boys involved in this tragic accident.”
The boy’s last photo on Instagram showed him waterskiing five days ago.
Many friends and family had posted comments on the images saying rest in peace and posting heart emojis.
An Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust spokesman said the teenager was being towed on a tube, when a wave hit the towing boat and spun it around.
Billy and the other boy were subsequently hit by the boat’s propeller.
His friend suffered multiple lacerations and was taken to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. A spokeswoman said he is now in a stable condition in a general ward.
Maritime NZ said an investigation into the incident was underway.
This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald and is reproduced here with permission
Qantas pilot named as crash victim
A Qantas pilot has been named as one of three victims who died in a horror mid-air crash in Sydney on Saturday.
Five injured in gas explosion at campground
Five people have been injured in a gas explosion at a campground in South Australia, with two of them in a serious condition.
Seaplane ditches into ocean at holiday hotspot
An investigation is underway after a seaplane carrying five people ditched into the ocean at a popular tourist hotspot.