Jet ski crash leaves one teen dead and another critical in Sydney’s south: Everything we know

A devastating jet ski crash on the Georges River has left a 15-year-old boy dead and his 14-year-old friend fighting for life. Here’s everything we know about the tragedy.

William Tyson

3 min read

July 24, 2025 - 11:20AM

A 15-year-old is dead following a jet ski crash in Sylvania. Picture: TNV

NSW

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A riverside tragedy has left one teenage boy dead and another in a critical condition after a horror jet ski crash on Sydney’s Georges River this week.

The incident has sparked widespread grief, with vigils, school tributes and a police investigation under way to determine how two young friends collided with what may have been a hidden barge near Tom Uglys Bridge.

Here is everything we know about the incident so far.

Water police investigating the scene on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

WHAT HAPPENED

Just after 6pm on Tuesday, two boys were riding together on a jet ski on the Georges River near Tom Uglys Bridge at Sylvania when they struck an object in the water and were thrown off.

Debris was spotted by two girls on the shoreline, who also saw 14-year-old Noah Watkins drifting in and out of consciousness and yelling for help.

Emergency services rushed to the scene. One of the first responding officers jumped into the river and pulled Noah, whose arm had been severed, to safety.

An investigation is under way following a jet ski crash in Sydney’s south. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

He was treated at the scene before being taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

The body of 15-year-old Mitchell Irvine was later recovered from the water.

IDENTIFICATION OF KIDS INVOLVED

The boys involved were identified as 14-year-old Noah Watkins and 15-year-old Mitchell Irvine.

Noah, a Year 9 student at De La Salle Catholic College in Caringbah, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. His severed arm was located by police at the scene.

Mitchell, a former student at Cronulla High School, tragically died in the crash.

Mitchell Irvine who was killed.

A friend said he had ‘such a pure heart’.

FRIENDS GATHER FOR VIGIL

On Wednesday afternoon, local teens gathered at the boat ramp beneath Tom Uglys Bridge to pay tribute to the boys.

A makeshift memorial included candles spelling out the names “Noah” and “LLM” — a tribute reading “Long Live Mitch” — along with flowers, a wooden Orthodox cross and a pair of vapes. Graffiti nearby read: “Rest up Noah”, “Forever 15” and “Rest easy Mitchy get well Noah”.

A tribute to Mitchell. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Mitchell’s friend Alana said he “had such a pure heart” and was known for helping people, “even if he wasn’t good mates with them.” Another friend, Gabi, described the loss as “such a shame.”

Alana added that everyone was hoping for Noah’s recovery: “Everyone’s worried about him.”

Teens gather to on Wednesday to lay flowers and overlook the river were the accident occurred. Picture: Thomas Lisson

A memorial has been set up under Tom Uglys bridge by friends for a 15-year-old boy who died in a jetski accident last night. Picture: Thomas Lisson

SCHOOL STATEMENTS

Cronulla High School principal confirmed Mitchell’s death in a letter to the school community, describing him as “a recent former student” who was “fatally injured in a jet-ski accident.”

A special assembly was held to inform students and offer support.

De La Salle Catholic College also issued a statement to its community, confirming that Noah Watkins, a current Year 9 student, was critically injured.

“We ask that you please keep Noah and his family in your prayers during this very difficult time,” the principal wrote.

Noah Watkins being treated and transported to hospital after being pulled from the water. Picture: TNV

POLICE PROBING HOW IT HAPPENED

Police confirmed both boys were wearing life jackets and believe that contributed to Noah’s survival.

Investigators believe Noah was driving the jet ski when it crashed. NSW Maritime is investigating whether he held a valid personal watercraft licence.

NSW Police Superintendent Don Faulds described the efforts of first responders as “amazing,” while Inspector Timothy Carter called them “heroic.”

Forensics arrive at the Tom Uglys Bridge boat ramp on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire

“It’s an absolute tragedy,” Supt Faulds said. “We obviously feel great empathy towards the families.”

A crime scene was established at the crash site and investigations are continuing.

POSSIBLE OBSTACLE

Local resident Ross Kilpatrick, who lives near the boat ramp, said the boys may have struck a working barge in low visibility conditions.

“There’s about 10 of them in the bay and they don’t have navigation lights on,” he said. “A couple of people mentioned that they hit a working barge out there. It’s very sad — you just really feel for people in those moments.”