Police in Virginia are investigating a tragic collision between a personal watercraft and a pontoon boat on the York River that left a teenage boy dead Sunday afternoon.
Virginia Marine Police say the 16-year-old from Gloucester was operating the jet ski and his stepfather was operating the pontoon boat when the two collided just off Machicomoco State Park in Gloucester County. It happened around 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The people on the pontoon boat recovered the teenager from the water and brought him to the Gloucester Point Boat Ramp for care. Gloucester County Volunteer Fire and Rescue met them at the boat ramp, but it was too late; the boy was declared dead at the scene.
The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and the U.S. Coast Guard all helped Virginia Marine Police in the investigation.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor, according to police, and no charges are pending in the case.
Virginia Marine Police “extends its deepest sympathy to the family of the victim and all involved,” the department said in a statement.
Police say they will release more information as the investigation is completed. Bay Bulletin will report any updates in the case.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
