Driver in Emily Gardner speedboat tragedy 'was not wearing emergency cord'

The driver of a speedboat which capsized, trapping a teenage girl from Gloucester, ‘was not wearing the kill cord’ which stops the engine in an emergency, an accident report concluded today.

It also said that 14-year-old Emily Gardner, who drowned after becoming trapped under the stern of the 16-ft boat, was wearing a life jacket that was too loose for her - increasing the risk of it becoming snagged on something.

Further, sailing conditions 'were not fully investigated' by the group before they set out on the May Bank Holiday weekend, according to the report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

A strap from Emily's life jacket became caught on the stern of the boat, which was hit by a large wave and capsized.

There were 'valiant attempts' to save the teenager, including by two jet ski riders from the group, who dived down to try and reach her. However by the time she was freed 25 minutes later, it was too late, and she did not regain consciousness.

The driver of the boat is believed to have had 25 years' experience, including sailing frequently in Devon.

The teenager from Gloucester killed in a speedboat accident in Devon was described as "popular, happy, friendly" in a moving tribute from her school.