Fatal Jet Ski Accident in Dubai: Saniah Hobass to Be Repatriated This Weekend

The repatriation of the body of Saniah Hobass, a 17-year-old who died in a jet ski accident in Dubai on Monday, December 8, is scheduled for the end of the week. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ritish Ramful, confirmed that his ministry is closely monitoring the situation. All administrative procedures have been initiated to ensure a swift return of the body to Mauritius. Mauritian authorities are in contact with their Emirati counterparts. Family members residing in Rose Hill are currently in Dubai to oversee the necessary repatriation processes.

What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into tragedy. Saniah Hobass, from Rose Hill, had been on vacation in Dubai since December 3 with her cousin. On the morning of December 8, the two teenagers decided to partake in a water activity off Jumeirah Beach, one of the emirate's most popular beaches.

According to available reports, their jet ski was involved in a violent collision, the circumstances of which are still under investigation. The impact was fatal for Saniah, who did not survive despite the rapid response of emergency services. She died on her 17th birthday.

Her cousin sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Rashid Hospital, where she underwent surgery. Doctors remain concerned about her health. In Dubai, an investigation has been launched following the accident.

Valère Repatriation to Handle the Repatriation

The Valère Repatriation funeral services have begun the procedures to repatriate Saniah Hobass's body to Mauritius. Julien Rajaram, the company's director, confirmed to Défimedia that the body will be back in the country by the end of the week. The remains of the Mauritian are currently in Dubai, awaiting transfer to Mauritius on an Emirates flight. Upon arrival, Al Ihsaan will take care of the funeral rites for the young girl.

A British Man Dies After Jet Ski Collision

A 28-year-old British man, Ali Watson, died following a severe jet ski accident in Dubai in December 2020. The tragedy received widespread media attention at the time. An inquiry at the Exeter Coroner’s Court revealed that Ali was participating in a sea outing when one of the two jet skis rented for the excursion collided with him head-on. The jet ski was being operated by an instructor, with a passenger who leaped moments before the collision.

The impact threw Ali into the air before he crashed violently into the water. His partner, Charlotte, who was watching from the boat while holding their four-month-old baby, initially thought he was injured and did not expect a fatal outcome. An autopsy attributed his death to head and chest trauma. Ali Watson had been based in Dubai since 2020 to develop his business, despite having prior jet ski experience, according to online British media reports.