Teen dies and another rushed to hospital after jet ski crashes into pier in Shetland

A teenager has lost his life and another is currently in following a jet ski crash. The emergency services were called into action at around 4pm on Tuesday, April 22, after reports emerged of a jet ski colliding with a pier.

Responders included the Lerwick lifeboat, coastguard rescue helicopter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, and Police Scotland. They rushed to Lerwick Harbour in Gremista, Shetland where the incident took place.

Tragically, an 18 year old man was declared deceased at the scene, and authorities have informed his family. A 17 year old boy has been hospitalised for treatment. are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland reported: "Around 4pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, we were called to a report of a jet ski crashing into a pier at Gremista, Shetland. Emergency services attended and an 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family is aware. A 17-year-old male youth has been taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

An RNLI representative stated: "Lerwick lifeboat was tasked shortly after 4pm on Tuesday, April 22, to a multi-agency incident at Catch Pier in Lerwick. The RNLI lifeboat supported Lerwick Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard rescue helicopter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland."

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The RNLI released its rescue figures for 2024, revealing its lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved a total of 437 lives last year - more than one life saved for every day of the year. Across the UK and Ireland the charity's lifeboats were launched 9,141 times, making it the lifesaving charity's fourth-busiest year on record.

The RNLI stress that 'no matter how experienced you are, taking a few minutes to understand the risks could save your life.' The charity offers an abundance of safety advice and guidance for beachgoers to stay safe both in and out of the water.

From surfing to coastal walking the RNLI has tips for anyone enjoying the British coast to stay safe, to find out more