A fatal jet ski collision that claimed the life of a 7-year-old vacationer on Tobago’s Pigeon Point has sparked urgent calls for sweeping industry regulation, after the detained operator linked to the tragedy was released from custody as police investigators work to wrap up their case.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Tobago) Rishi Singh confirmed this week that the 32-year-old operator, a resident of Canaan Feeder Road, Tobago, was released last Saturday, with ongoing inquiries into the April 8 incident still proceeding. When reached for comment by local news outlet the Express, the operator declined to speak publicly on the case.
The victim, Angelica Saydee Jogie, a primary school student from San Fernando’s TML Primary School, was enjoying a family beach trip when the tragedy unfolded. Angelica was in a marked, roped-off swimming zone shortly before 5 p.m. when an out-of-control jet ski breached the safety barrier and crashed into her, her father, and her uncle. The young girl was rushed to Scarborough General Hospital, but medical staff were unable to save her, and she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
In the wake of the incident, fellow jet ski operators across Tobago have rallied around the released man, publicly affirming his reputation as an experienced and safety-focused industry professional, while joining public calls for urgent government action to formalize and enforce rules for the jet ski sector.
Angelica’s mother, Salisha Jogie, has demanded full accountability for her daughter’s death, and is calling for a complete ban on jet ski operations along Tobago’s popular public beaches. Her demand has been echoed by Reginald Mac Lean, head of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, who branded unregulated personal watercraft “ticking time bombs” that put beachgoers at constant risk.
Angelica’s funeral was held last Saturday in Barrackpore, just five days ahead of what would have been her eighth birthday. During the service, Jogie recounted the horrifying final moments of the family’s vacation, before the collision cut short her daughter’s life.
Police authorities confirmed this week that investigative work is in its final stages, with legal documentation currently being prepared to submit to Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard. Once reviewed, the DPP will determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the operator in connection with Angelica’s death. Senior Superintendent of Police Rodhil Kirk noted that the investigation is nearing completion.