One person killed in boating accident in Scheveningen Ocean Race festivities

Police badge and radio.
Photo: Depositphotos.com
Police badge and radio.
Photo: Depositphotos.com

One person has been killed in a collision between a rubber boat and a metal motor boat in Scheveningen’s harbour, where celebrations are continuing to mark end of the Volvo Ocean Race.

There were eight people in the rubber boat when it and the metal boat collided. Three people were also taken to hospital,  one of whom has serious injuries, The Hague mayor Pauline Krikke told reporters on Thursday evening.

‘The Volvo Ocean Race stopover has been a wonderful event, which The Hague and Scheveningen have enjoyed very much,’ Krikke said. ‘But this accident has thrown a dark shadow over it.’

‘Appropriate changes’ will now be made to Friday’s programme of events, the organisers said. The visit by king William Alexander to the race village has not been affected.

Police and the public prosecution service are now investigating what happened.

The rubber boats were being used to ferry people from event to event and to give visitors a tour of the harbour area and event village.

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