Inquest Rules Dubai Jet Ski Death of Father Ali Watson a “Freak Accident”
A recent inquest in Exeter has delivered a verdict on the tragic death of Ali Watson, a 28-year-old British father who died in a jet ski collision while on holiday in Dubai in December 2020. The coroner ruled the incident a devastating “freak accident,” bringing a painful, near-five-year wait for answers to a close for his grieving family.
The fatal incident occurred during a boat trip with friends. According to the inquest findings, Ali was riding one of two jet skis hired by the boat owner. The other was operated by an instructor, with a passenger riding on the back.
Tragedy struck when the passenger on the instructor’s jet ski, described as inexperienced and alarmed by the vehicle’s speed, jumped off into the water moments before the collision. The now-uncontrolled jet ski veered directly into Ali’s path. The impact was catastrophic, propelling him into the air. He landed face down in the water and died instantly from severe head and chest trauma. The inquest confirmed there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his system.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly pursued criminal cases against two men involved in the incident, resulting in suspended jail sentences and fines.
A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
At the time of the accident, Ali Watson was on a life-changing trajectory. He had recently moved from the UK to Dubai after securing an investor for his business. The boat trip was meant to be a celebratory outing with friends and his partner, Charlotte Lescott.
Heartbreakingly, Charlotte was on the main boat, holding their four-month-old daughter, and witnessed the entire event. She has shared that her last words to him were a shout to “be safe”—a memory that now carries the weight of immense loss.
In the aftermath, friends and family paid tribute to Ali, remembering him as a devoted father, a loving partner, and a man with strong family values. His mother described him as a “remarkable young man,” whose death has left a void that “nothing will ever fill.”
A Legacy of Grief and a Warning
Beyond the emotional devastation, Ali’s death exposed practical hardships. Charlotte revealed that she discovered there was no active life insurance policy in place, leaving her and their young daughter without financial support. She has since spoken out about the critical importance of financial protection for families.
While the coroner’s verdict provides legal closure, Ali Watson’s death serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a joyful moment can turn to tragedy. It also raises important questions about the safety protocols and regulations governing adventure tourism activities like jet skiing, particularly when inexperienced individuals are involved.
The criminal sentences and inquest conclusion mark the end of a long legal process, but for Ali’s loved ones, the pain endures. He is remembered as a man full of ambition and love, whose bright future was stolen in a cruel twist of fate, leaving a little girl to grow up without her father.
