Teen boy dead, another loses arm in horror jet ski crash in Sylvania

Local teens have gathered near the spot where a 15-year-old boy died in a jet ski crash and his 14-year-old friend had his arm severed to pay their respects for the pair.

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

A 15-year-old boy died and a 14-year old boy is in a critical condition in hospital with a severed arm after a horror jet ski crash in Sydney’s south on Tuesday evening.

The pair was believed to be travelling together on a jet ski about 6pm in the Georges River near Tom Uglys Bridge at Sylvania when they hit an obstacle in the water and were thrown off.

Two girls on the shoreline reportedly spotted debris floating in the river and saw 14-year-old Noah Watkins yelling for help, drifting in and out of consciousness.

Mitchell Irvine who was killed.

A friend said he had “such a pure heart”.

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

One of the first responding police officers jumped into the river to pull the 14-year-old to the edge. Picture: TNV

Police and ambulance were called to the scene at the Georges River near Tom Uglys Bridge. Picture: TNV

Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics raced to the scene, with one of the first responding police officers jumping into the river to pull the 14-year-old, whose arm had been severed, to the edge.

The body of 15-year-old Mitchell Irvine was also found in the water.

Noah Watkins, a student at nearby De La Salle Catholic College in Caringbah, was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Sydney Children’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

His severed arm was located by NSW Police.

Teens gather for a vigil

Local teens gathered at the boat ramp under Tom Uglys Bridge on Wednesday afternoon to pay their respects at a vigil for the pair.

The vigil included an Orthodox wooden cross, bouquets of flowers and a pair of vapes. Candles were laid at the base of the memorial reading ‘Noah’ and ‘LLM’ — ‘Long Live Mitch’.

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

Graffiti on nearby signage read ‘Rest up Noah’, ‘Forever 15’ and ‘Rest easy Mitchy get well Noah’.

Mitch’s friend Alana said the 15-year-old “had such a pure heart”.

“He always decided to help people out, even if he wasn’t good mates with them,” she said.

Another friend of Mitch Irvine, Gabi, said his loss was “such a shame.”

Alana said all of Noah Watkins’ friends “wish him a speedy recovery”.

“Everyone’s worried about him,” she said.

A tribute to Mitchell. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Earlier in the day, the principal at Cronulla High School where Mitch attended sent out a letter to parents and the school community informing them of the tragedy.
It read: “I am deeply sorry to have to inform you that a recent former student from our school was fatally injured in a jet-ski accident on the Georges River last night.”“This afternoon we held a special assembly to advise the students of this tragic event and offer them support.

“Our thoguhts and condolences go to the former student’s family and friends for their devastating loss.

“Another boy, not a student at our school, was critically injured in this accident, and our thoughts are also with that person, his family and friends.”
The principal of Noah’s school also sent out a message to the De La Salle community.
It read: “Noah Watkins, a Year 9 student, was involved in a serious incident las night on the Georges River.”

“Noah remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. We ask that you please keep Noah and his family in your prayers during this very difficutl time.”

Police at the scene of the tragedy on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Teens gather at the scene on Wednesday to mourn. Picture: Thomas Lisson

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

Police comment on the tragedy

On Wednesday afternoon, police said both boys had been wearing life jackets, which they believe contributed to Noah Watkins’ survival after the accident.They said Noah had been driving the jet ski when it crashed and an investigation was underway by NSW Maritime to establish whether he held a person watercraft licence.

NSW Police Superintendent Don Faulds called the efforts of the first responsers to the accident as “amazing”.

Paramedics tend to Noah. Picture: TNV

A water police vessel at the scene. Picture: TNV

Paramedics were confronted by a tragic scene. Picture: TNV

Emergency responders were praised for their ‘heroic’ efforts. Picture: TNV

Inspector Timothy Carter also earlier praised the swift actions of emergency responders as “heroic.”

“The police have done their best to try and save these kids’ lives,” he said. “We obviously feel great empathy towards the families.”

Ross Kilpatrick, who lives near Tom Uglys boat ramp, described the mood at the spot as “somber” on Wednesday morning.

A memorial has been set up by friends. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Local Ross Kilpatrick said the mood was somber. Picture: Thomas Lisson

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

“It’s very sad, you just really feel for people in those moments.”

He said it had been suggested the teens hit a barge in the water during a time of low visibility, causing the accident.

“A couple of people mentioned that they hit a working barge out there,” Mr Kilpatrick said

“There’s about 10 of them in the bay and they don’t have navigations lights on.”

“We feel deep sympathy for the families involved.”

A crime scene was established at the location and investigations into the circumstance of the crash are continuing.

Originally published as Teen boy dead, another loses arm in horror jet ski crash in Sylvania