MaltaRAF Officer Dies in Parasailing Accident
Daryl Mayhew, 59, was on holiday in Malta with his wife Dawn when the accident occurred, leaving him dead and his wife seriously injured. A police investigation has been launched into the incident.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
A former RAF officer has died in a parasailing accident in Malta. Daryl Mayhew, 59, was on holiday with his wife Dawn when the incident occurred.
The couple had decided to try parasailing, an activity where participants are attached to a sail and towed behind a speedboat. However, powerful winds sent them plunging into the water at high speed.
The accident happened around 1pm local time on September 19, about a mile and a half off the coastal town of Saint Julian’s. Beachgoers witnessed the pair crash into the sea.
Daryl's wife, Dawn, 60, was pulled from the waves with serious injuries and rushed to hospital. She has since recovered fairly quickly, but the family is devastated by Daryl's death.
A family friend said the weather was not ideal for parasailing at the time of the accident. The police investigation into Daryl's death is ongoing, led by a magistrate.
Daryl served in the RAF for 25 years before working in operations and health and safety. He had left the RAF about ten years ago.
The Foreign Office is supporting Daryl's family and is in touch with the local authorities. The Parasail Safety Council said five million people take part in parasailing every year, with 1,200 accidents reported in the last 30 years.
Key facts
- Daryl Mayhew, 59, died in a parasailing accident in Malta
- His wife Dawn, 60, was seriously injured in the incident
- The accident occurred on September 19 off the coast of Saint Julian’s
- A police investigation into the incident is ongoing
Three perspectives
Neutral
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of parasailing activities. The investigation into Daryl's death is ongoing, and the family is receiving support from the Foreign Office. The Parasail Safety Council has reported a significant number of accidents in the last 30 years.
Positive
Daryl's family and friends have paid tribute to his love of spending time with the people he loved. He had a distinguished career in the RAF and later worked in health and safety. His legacy will be remembered by those who knew him.
Negative
The accident has highlighted the risks associated with parasailing activities. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were not ideal, and the investigation will likely examine whether safety protocols were followed. The incident has left Daryl's family devastated.
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