Fatal incident on board S/Y Germania Nova

Hill Robinson has confirmed the sad news that a tragic accident occurred on board 55m sailing yacht Germania Nova in Portland, Jamaica on 14th March, leading to the fatality of a crew member. 

18-year-old Briton Bethany Smith was cleaning the mast on the yacht when it was moored at Errol Flynn Marina, when the ropes holding her became lose causing her to fall onto the deck. It was reported by the Jamaica Observer that Bethany sustained multiple injuries from the fall, and was taken to Port Antonio Hospital where she later died when being treated.

In a statement issued by the yacht management company yesterday evening, Hill Robinson said, “The crewmember’s next of kin have been informed, and our thoughts are with the family, friends and fellow crew members at this very difficult time.

“Hill Robinson and the owners are doing everything possible to support the family and friends, and of course, an immediate investigation is already underway. We request the courtesy of privacy for her family and all those affected.” 

According to the BBC, Bethany joined the crew of the schooner in February 2016. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by a family friend to help them financially in this tragic event, and has already raised over $11,800.

No further statements have been issued by Hill Robinson at this stage, and it explained there will be no updates until the results of the investigation are known.