Israeli Teen Critically Injured in Inflatable Banana Boat Accident in Bulgaria

An 18-year-old Israeli youth is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of a university hospital in Burgas, Bulgaria, after a water accident near the Black Sea coastal town. The incident occurred when an inflatable banana boat being towed by a jet ski capsized and struck rocks approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Burgas. Bulgarian authorities reported that six people were injured in the accident, including three Israelis. One Israeli suffered a severe head injury and was hospitalized, while two others sustained minor injuries and were treated and released shortly after.

Investigations revealed that the jet ski operator lacked the required license and authorization to operate the vehicle towing the inflatable. The inflatable banana boat was seized as evidence, and witnesses were questioned. The jet ski driver was initially detained for 24 hours, released, and then rearrested after prosecutors filed new charges. The driver now faces allegations of causing injury through professional negligence.

This is not the first such incident in the area, raising concerns about safety enforcement for water sports activities along the Bulgarian coast. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies.