Man, 34, confirmed dead after losing control of watercraft off Durrës coast while woman, 31, remains in critical condition
A British tourist has DIED and his partner is fighting for her life after a horrific jet ski accident off the coast of Albania.
The 34-year-old man was confirmed dead by Albanian coastguards, who believe the couple lost control of the machine during maneuvers and were thrown into the sea off Durrës.
A 31-year-old woman was rushed to hospital in CRITICAL CONDITION where she remains seriously ill.
TRAGEDY IN PARADISE
The horror unfolded in the waters off Durrës – Albania’s main port city and a popular tourist destination on the Adriatic coast.
Albanian police released an official statement confirming the British tourists, aged 34 and 31, were riding a jet ski when disaster struck.
During maneuvers, they are believed to have lost control of the watercraft and fallen into the sea,” Durrës police stated.
DESPERATE RESCUE ATTEMPT
Border Police services received an urgent alert and immediately responded with a watercraft to assist the two Britons who had fallen into the water.
The couple were pulled from the sea and transported back to port where an emergency medical team was waiting.
Preliminary checks by the hospital emergency team waiting at the port confirmed that one of the individuals, 34-year-old S.O., a resident of the UK, had lost his life,” police confirmed.
“Meanwhile, 31-year-old V.B., also a UK resident, was immediately transported to the hospital in critical condition.”
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
Albanian authorities have launched a full investigation into the tragic incident.
An investigative group has been established to determine exactly what caused the couple to lose control of the jet ski.
Police have identified the victims only by their initials:
- S.O. – 34-year-old British man (deceased)
- V.B. – 31-year-old British woman (critical condition)
ALBANIA’S TROUBLED WATERS
The tragedy is the latest in a series of water sports accidents to hit Albania’s increasingly popular coastline.
The country has become a hotspot for British tourists seeking:
- Cheaper Mediterranean holidays
- Beautiful Adriatic beaches
- Water sports activities
- Less crowded resorts
But safety standards have been questioned following several incidents involving tourists.
JET SKI DANGERS
Jet ski accidents can occur due to:
- Inexperience with powerful watercraft
- Rough sea conditions
- Equipment failure
- Collisions with other vessels or objects
- Sharp turns at high speed
- Falling off and being struck by the machine
Experts warn tourists to:
- Always wear life jackets
- Check weather conditions
- Stay within designated areas
- Avoid alcohol before riding
- Take proper safety briefings
FOREIGN OFFICE RESPONSE
The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment about the incident.
A spokesperson typically advises: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Albania and are in contact with local authorities.
DURRËS – TOURIST HOTSPOT
Durrës is Albania’s second largest city and main port, located just 30km from the capital Tirana.
The ancient city boasts:
- Miles of sandy beaches
- Historic Roman amphitheater
- Vibrant nightlife
- Water sports facilities
- Growing tourist infrastructure
It has become increasingly popular with British holidaymakers seeking affordable Mediterranean breaks.
RISING TOURIST NUMBERS
Albania has seen tourist numbers SOAR in recent years:
- Over 10 million visitors in 2023
- 35% increase from previous year
- British tourists among top visitors
- Promoted as ‘Europe’s hidden gem’
- Featured in major travel guides
But rapid tourism growth has raised concerns about:
- Safety standards
- Regulation of water sports
- Emergency response capabilities
- Tourist infrastructure
PREVIOUS INCIDENTS
This is not the first water sports tragedy in Albanian waters:
August 2024: Italian tourist Nicola Iorio, 19, died in jet ski collision at Velipoja beach
August 2023: 16-year-old killed in jet ski accident in Himara
Multiple other incidents have been reported as tourism and water sports activities increase.
SAFETY WARNINGS
Travel experts advise tourists using jet skis to:
- CHECK operator licenses and insurance
- INSIST on safety briefings
- WEAR provided safety equipment
- AVOID if weather conditions are poor
- STAY within designated areas
- NEVER operate under influence of alcohol
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Albanian authorities will:
- Complete full investigation
- Interview witnesses
- Examine the jet ski for mechanical issues
- Review safety procedures
- Determine if any regulations were breached
The British Embassy in Tirana is likely providing consular assistance to the victims’ families.
