Boy, 14, killed jet-ski accident on Maas river; one in custody

A 14-year-old boy from Helmond was killed when he was hit by a jet-ski on the Maas river near Well on Saturday afternoon. A 26-year-old man from Zaltbommel was arrested and was still in custody by Sunday evening, the police said in a statement. 

The boy disappeared under water around 5:00 p.m. Bystanders report seeing the boy jumping from a boat and then being hit by a jet-ski. 

Emergency services were called in and a massive search was launched for the boy. Firefighters from Zaltbommel, Maasdriel, Heusden and Den Bosch were deployed, as well as rescue teams, boats, police helicopters and air ambulances, according to AD. A diving team from Den Bosch found the boy around 6:15 p.m., almost in the same spot where he was last seen. Attempts to resuscitate the boy were unsuccessful. He was under water for about 75 minutes. 

The police are investigating what happened. Several jet-skis were confiscated and the 26-year-old man from Zaltbommel was arrested. His role in the accident is not yet clear.

According to the Telegraaf, the use of jet-skis is allowed on this part of the Maas. While swimming there is subject to several rules - for example, you can be fined 140 euros for swimming in a boating or fast sailing area. On the other hand, the driver of a jet-ski or speedboat is responsible for ensuring that he doesn't endanger anyone else on the river.