7-Year-Old Girl Dies After Jet Ski Crashes Into Family At Pigeon Point Beach; Tobago Suspect Detained
UPDATE (20/04/26): The 32-year-old man detained in connection with the jet ski incident that claimed the life of 7-year-old Angelica Jogie at Pigeon Point Beach has been released from custody as investigations remain ongoing. The suspect was arrested at his Canaan home in the early hours of Thursday 9th April, 2026, a day after the jet ski he was operating allegedly collided with Angelica, her parents, and another relative.
Angelica’s body was later transported to Trinidad and she was laid to rest on Saturday (18th April, 2026), at her family’s home in Monkey Town, Barrackpore.
UPDATE (09/04/26): THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said the tragic loss of the child has deeply affected not only her relatives, but the entire island of Tobago. He stressed that Marine Park regulations are not optional, warning that breaches — especially involving the unsafe use of watercraft — pose serious risks to public safety.
Authorities reiterated that jet skis are prohibited from operating within designated bathing zones and are only permitted to pass through specific transit areas.
The THA has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening oversight across Tobago’s coastal zones, including enhanced enforcement, improved inter-agency co-ordination, and a review of existing operational controls.
Augustine signaled that noticeable changes would be implemented within weeks. He also acknowledged rising public concern over safety enforcement, particularly during peak seasons, warning operators in the marine and tourism sectors to strictly adhere to regulations, stating that disregard for human life would not be tolerated.
The THA is also renewing calls for the passage of the long-pending Marine Park Bill, first introduced in 2020, which would provide stronger legal authority to regulate activities within protected coastal areas.
In addition, discussions are underway about increasing Tobago’s autonomy in law enforcement, including the possibility of a localized Police presence to better manage safety on the island.
A 7-year-old girl has died after being struck by a jet ski while bathing with family members at Pigeon Point Beach in Tobago on Wednesday (8th April, 2026). The deceased has been identified as Angelica Sadie Jogie of Barrackpore. She was a student of the San Fernando TML Primary School.
Angelica had been in Tobago on Easter vacation with her family when the tragedy occurred.
According to reports, a jet ski broke through the perimeter rope of a designated “safe bathing zone,” intended to protect swimmers, while the family were bathing at the beach, striking Angelica and several members of her family. Nearby beachgoers and other family members rushed to assist the child.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) was administered at the scene to revive her before she was transported to the Scarborough General Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, Angelica later succumbed to her injuries.
Speaking with the Trinidad Express, Angelica’s uncle, Darren Jogie, said, “We were bathing at Pigeon Point, not too far from the ropes [but] inside the ropes, and this guy with this jet ski, I do not know where he came from, hit me, my brother and hit the child. Darren said he sustained head injuries.
He added, “Two of them were unconscious one time. I could not catch myself. Sadie [Angelica] got the full brunt of the jet ski and her whole face mash up.”
Police have since detained a 32-year-old man in connection with the incident. The suspect, a resident of Canaan Feeder Road, Tobago, was taken into custody this morning (Thursday 9th April, 2026) by Officers of the Tobago Divisional Task Force, led by Corporal Guy. The arrest marks a significant development in the case and follows an intense search for the operator of the jet ski involved in Wednesday’s deadly collision.
Authorities had initially reported that the operator fled the scene immediately after the impact, prompting public appeals for information and calls for the individual to surrender by Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine.
The Chief Secretary expressed deep condolences to the family and emphasized that the legal process would take its course. He also announced that Buccoo Reef Park, including Pigeon Point Heritage Park, will remain closed today (Thursday 9th April, 2026), to allow for a thorough investigation.
The jet ski involved was later seized as part of the investigation. The image below from social media shows the jet ski at the Crown Point Police Station.
Investigations are continuing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: Ian Alleyne]
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