Prosecutors open involuntary manslaughter investigation into Saint-Cyprien boating incident
Involuntary manslaughter investigation launched into fatal Saint-Cyprien boating accident.
Event / Disaster
Saint-Cyprien Water Sport Accident
Maritime accident during towed tube water sport activity off Saint-Cyprien, Pyrénées-Orientales on September 1st resulted in two deaths and one serious injury when pilot ejection led to runaway boat striking inflatable tube. Investigation opened for involuntary homicide.
2 reported locations
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2 articles0 articles
2026-09-01 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Sept, 15:47 UTC
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What happened
Pilot ejected from boat during towed tube activity in Saint-Cyprien
A pilot operating a motorboat towing an inflatable tube was ejected from the boat during a wide turn off the coast of Saint-Cyprien, Pyrénées-Orientales on September 1st. The exact cause of the ejection remains unknown, though it appears the boat may have been destabilized by waves.
Seven people involved in towed tube accident off Pyrénées-Orientales coast
A total of seven people were involved in the towed tube accident. Beyond the two fatalities, at least one person was gravely injured. Other participants were in shock from the incident.
Runaway boat struck towed tube, killing two people
After the pilot was ejected, the motorboat continued its turn without a pilot and struck the inflatable tube it was towing. The collision killed the boat pilot (who had been struck by the boat's propeller and drowned) and a female passenger on the tube. A male passenger on the tube was severely injured in the arms and legs.
Investigation opened for involuntary manslaughter in maritime accident
The Perpignan prosecutor opened an investigation into the accident for involuntary homicide. The naval brigade and maritime search brigade of Marseille were assigned to investigate the incident.
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2 alternative perspectives
Pilot ejected as runaway boat strikes towed tube, killing two
Pilot ejected, runaway boat struck towed tube, killing two people.