Man Jailed After Crossing the Irish Sea on Jet Ski from Scotland to Covid-19 Free Isle of Man

A man has appeared at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice (Manx: Quaiylyn Cairys Ellan Vannin) after a bizarre and dangerous crossing across the Irish Sea from Scotland to the Isle of Man. Dale McLaughlan aged  28 from Irvine in North Ayrshire made the journey on a jet ski despite having never driven one before. The Scottish coast is the closest in distance to the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) of all its neighbouring countries. The Point of Ayre (Manx: Kione ny Hayrey) is the northernmost point of the Isle of Man being just 16 miles (26 km) south of Burrow Head in Scotland.

The route that Dale McLaughlan took on 11th December, was from the Isle of Whithorn (Scottish Gaelic: Port Rosnait), about two miles northeast of Burrow Head, to Ramsey (Manx: Rhumsaa) a coastal town in the north of the Isle of Man. Although the distance he travelled, 25-mile (40km), is relatively short, it took him four-and-a-half hours to make the journey. This part of the Irish Sea is known for its strong currents and at times dangerous sea conditions. Having arrived in Ramsey Harbour he then walked a further 15 miles (25km) from Ramsey to Douglas (Manx: Doolish) the capital and largest town of the Isle of Man.

His purpose in making this journey is reported to have been to see his girlfriend who lives on the Island. The following afternoon the couple went to two busy nightclubs. However, this did not all end well for Dale McLaughlan. During this time of Covid-19 pandemic the Isle of Man has strict border controls. Its border is currently closed to almost all non-residents and under emergency laws, those who break the rules face up to three months in jail or a fine of up to £10,000. On Monday 14th December Dale admitted arriving unlawfully on the Island and was jailed for four weeks. 

The closure of Manx borders has been seen as an important factor in preventing further spread of Covid-19 on the Isle of Man. Very much a last line of defence as all the neighbouring countries that surround the Isle of Man battle to control the pandemic. The Island is considered to be free of any community spread of this virus. Since 15th June 2020, with the exception of the border closure, life on the island has gone on as normal for most people. Shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses are operating much as usual. There is no social distancing and large gatherings, including Christmas lights switch-on events, are permitted. 

Howard Quayle, Chief Minister (Manx: Ard-shirveishagh) for the Isle of Man has condemned the actions of Dale McLaughlan, describing the crossing to the Island on the jet ski as an: "incredibly reckless, dangerous endeavour", which could have led to "others being called upon to risk their lives in a search and rescue operation".

He also said that the 28-year-old had risked a spread of the virus in the Island and that he had been aware of the law and "showed a flagrant disregard [by] mixing in the community and potentially putting lives at risk".

Howard Quayle went on to say: "I hope this sends a strong signal to others who do not take our laws seriously or who are mistaken in thinking that the rules do not apply to them." 

Image above: Dale McLaughlan arrives at Ramsey Harbour Isle of Man on jet ski. Picture courtesy of BBC Ellan Vannin.

Image below: Isle of Man/Mannin coastal view.