We are very sad to report that popular race director and IJSBA official, Jeremy Hoyland, has gone missing while riding a PWC in Bali Indonesia. Jeremy was brought to Bali as the race director for the Jet Ski Sport events of the 2008 Asia Beach Games. On October 24, the tides did not match the chart that was provided to us. Therefore, racing was put off until the late afternoon so that competitors could race in the safest water conditions. The staff was given the morning and early afternoon off for personal time. Jeremy spent his time recreationally riding on a borrowed PWC and encountered mechanical problems which put him at the mercy of the currents. Helicopter search efforts began immediately upon the report of Jeremy not returning to the event site. These search efforts are still underway and we are well within the time window where persons missing from a PWC ride in this region were found safely. As of today, there are 6 helicopters, 2 navy vessels, other official boats, and numerous private persons searching for him. We ask that the public respect Jeremys family during this difficult time by avoiding speculation and participation in rumor spreading. There are currently numerous incorrect stories floating around in the Bali media and on the internet. These statements can hinder rescue efforts and cause unneeded extra grief for Jeremys family, friends, and colleagues. The IJSBA will update the PWC community with any news when we get it and verify the accuracy. We remain optimistic that the news will be good when we report it.
