Teens Charged After Allegedly Using Jet Skis to Capsize Boat With Children Aboard

Two teenagers are facing charges after allegedly using jet skis to capsize a small boat carrying two children on the Gold Coast.

The incident occurred on the Nerang River and was captured on video, showing two jet skis appearing to operate recklessly near a small tinny, causing it to capsize and its occupants to fall into the water.

Queensland Police confirmed that the occupants of the capsized boat were boys aged 10 and 14. Fortunately, both children were unharmed. The operators of the jet skis, identified as two boys aged 15 and 16, have been charged with dangerous operation of a vessel and assault.

Police stated that the two parties were not known to each other and that officers responded to reports of the capsized tinny around 1:40 p.m. on October 4. They assisted the children and recovered the vessel.

Video footage of the incident, shared online, sparked anger among locals. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate described the event as "unfathomable" and indicated a review of security measures in the area, including potentially increasing police resources and installing more cameras to deter such behavior.

Robert Collin, who filmed the incident, expressed his dismay, stating that the jet ski riders "didn't bother to see if the two young victims were OK after rolling the boat." He also noted the danger posed by the still-spinning propeller, highlighting the potential for serious injury or drowning.

Locals on social media called for accountability, with some suggesting the confiscation of the jet skis and others comparing the behavior to that of "e-bikes of the ocean," indicating a perceived pattern of recklessness.