Teen in jet-ski accident airlifted to hospital

A 13-year-old Auckland boy was rushed by helicopter to Rotorua Hospital yesterday following a jet-ski accident on Lake Tarawera.

The boy suffered leg injuries in the accident at the popular holiday spot about 4pm.

St John paramedic Darryl Stretch of Rotorua said the youngster had been riding a jet-ski with his brother when the craft is understood to have turned over after a minor collision while docking with a charter boat.

The wash created was enough to pull the boy into the vacuum caused by the boat's propeller, Mr Stretch said last night.

Fortunately, the boat crew saw the accident coming, he said.

"He was very lucky. Everyone realised what was going to happen so they cut the motor and stopped it."

A retired surgeon was present at the time of the accident and tended to the boy until the Rotorua-based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter arrived.

Its paramedics stabilised the boy.

Paul Connell of Clearwater Cruises last night refused to discuss the incident, but confirmed the company was "going through a process" with marine safety authorities.

Mr Connell confirmed the youngster had received "cuts and lacerations" after "an accident with the jet-ski".

Senior Sergeant Tony Colby of Rotorua police said staff were not yet investigating the accident, but had not ruled out getting involved.

Hospital duty manager Anne Sullivan last night refused to discuss the matter - or the condition of the youngster.