Police hunt for dangerous jet skiers causing distress to dolphins and swimmers in South Shields

Northumbria Police marine officers are appealing for the help of the public to identify jet skiers involved in two incidents on the town’s seafront.

One incident occurred on August 20, at 8.30pm on Little Haven beach in South Shields when a jet ski rider is said to have behaved in an anti-social manner and was causing distress to other members of the public on the beach at the time.

The area is also an exclusion zone so jet skiers are not allowed to ride there.

Another incident being investigated happened on August 23, where two jet skiers were allegedly riding in close proximity to a pod of dolphins at high speeds.

Inquiries are ongoing and officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit are looking through footage linked to both incidents to try and identify those responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward and speak to police.

Marine officer, PC Paul Cullen, said: “We continuously advise jet skiers of information around exclusion zones, water safety and correct distances from the shore and yet people continue to ignore rules and legislation and compromise people’s safety as well as their own.

“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone found to be breaking legislation or laws will face the consequences.”

Port of Tyne Harbour Master, Steven Clapperton, said: “We are concerned about conflict between these fast moving vessels and other river and beach users and are working alongside the other maritime agencies to inform and educate these river users, but ultimately we will not hesitate to seek enforcement measures where appropriate.

“All jet ski users should be aware that they are required to comply with the Port of Tyne byelaws at all times when in the river and should be particularly mindful of those relating to speed and safe navigation”.

Anyone with concerns, video footage or reports of anti-social behaviour on the water should contact the Marine Unit by reporting online through the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101.

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