Teen’s Brush with Death: 18-Year-Old Left with Shattered Wrists and Fractured Spine After Freak Boating Accident on Lake Kepwari
- Tadhg Fidge, 18, suffers horrific injuries when rope snaps on inflatable watercraft, sending him crashing into the water
- Teenager’s wrists shattered and spine fractured in the freak accident on Lake Kepwari, two hours south of Perth
- Doctors say injuries could have been catastrophic, but Tadhg is lucky to be alive and recovering in hospital
In a heart-stopping moment that will haunt his family forever, Tadhg Fidge’s life flashed before his eyes when the rope pulling a sea biscuit he was riding snapped, sending him tumbling into the water. The 18-year-old’s inflatable and towable watercraft, which he described as “basically a giant flying kite”, came crashing down hard on Lake Kepwari, leaving him with broken wrists and a fractured spine.
“I put my arms up and they were both in the wrong spot,” Tadhg told 7NEWS in an emotional interview. “Both hands were in the wrong spot because both my wrists were broken.” The teenager’s words are a stark reminder of the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
As Tadhg struggled to come to terms with his injuries, his father sprang into action, keeping his back straight in the boat until an ambulance arrived. “My dad was good, he stayed logical. He didn’t panic,” Tadhg said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital, Tadhg underwent surgery on his wrists and fractured vertebrae. Doctors say his injuries could have been catastrophic, but the teenager is lucky to be alive and recovering. “I’ve got all my mobility in my legs and arms, so can’t complain,” Tadhg said, his optimism a testament to his bravery.
But while Tadhg is already talking about getting back on the sea biscuit, his mum is adamant that’s not going to happen anytime soon. “Definitely not,” she said, her words a stark warning to other parents about the dangers of water sports.
As Tadhg continues his recovery, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and rewards of living life on the edge. Will he be back on the water soon? Only time will tell, but for now, he’s just grateful to be alive.