On 22 April - when Cunards three Queens (QEII, QM2 and Queen Victoria) were in port, and which was therefore an exceptionally busy day on the water - Adam Robert Langdown, of Seacole Gardens, Southampton, rode his jet ski at high speed through the Eastern and Western Docks. Mr Langdown was cautioned by marine police before being allowed to proceed, but then broke the speed limit again by travelling at 48 knots, the equivalent of travelling around 52mph on land. A police launch, RIB Mariner V, gave chase and Mr Langdown was apprehended.
After appearing in front of Southampton Magistrates on 17 September, Mr Langdown was fined a total of £2,429 (representing a fine of £700, costs of £1,714 and a contribution of £15 to the Victims Support Fund).
Captain Holliday said: Southampton Water is a wonderful natural resource that provides a huge amount of joy to tens of thousands of leisure sailors in the Southampton region. Although we are keen that Southamptons leisure-marine community should co-exist with the ports commercial shipping traffic, our paramount concern is for the safety of all.
Sergeant Andy Simpson, Hampshire Police Marine Support Unit, who intercepted Mr Langdown, said: "Speeding on the water is as unacceptable as it is on land, and, in this particular case, was potentially extremely dangerous. When we stopped Langdown his jet ski was clocked at 46 knots. This is the equivalent of a motorist doing 230mph in a 30mph limit. Speed limits exist to keep people safe, and the six-knot speed limit in Southampton Water is all too often ignored. Frequently, this is by boaters who are unaware that the speed limit exists, but, having been warned by us already, this jet-skier could not avail himself of this excuse.
This conviction should stand as a warning to boat users that we have the capability to intercept marine craft in all circumstances. Once caught, we will work with our partner agencies to ensure a robust prosecution."
