Minister eyes licence plate system in wake of jetski tragedy

Identification, higher fines and confiscation all on the table

The justice minister, Søren Pape Poulsen, has announced that he is looking into the possibility of instituting a licence plate system for jetskis following the tragic accident that left two US exchange students dead earlier this month.

Poulsen is scheduled to meet with Copenhagen mayor Frank Jensen, the police, and other relevant authorities to discuss the option today.

“It’s a deeply tragic accident that shows how terribly dangerous irresponsible sailing is. Now it’s happened in Copenhagen, but it could occur in other areas of the nation,” Poulsen told Metroxpress newspaper.

“I’m open to all good proposals about how we can avoid that kind of accident from taking place again in the future.”

READ MORE: Mayor wants crackdown on hazardous jetskiing following tragedy

Identifying culprits
More specifically, Poulsen wants to establish a licence plate system, higher fines and the possibility for confiscating water craft belonging to people not adhering to the law.

According to the minister, the most important aspect of the issue is making it easier for authorities to identify people causing trouble on the water.

The 24-year-old who rammed his jetski into the little boat carrying the two students who were killed has been charged with double manslaughter and faces up to eight years in prison.

After the incident, the man and his entourage then fled the scene at Copenhagen Harbour and were later arrested at Brøndby Harbour.