A TEENAGE girl remains in an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital after a speed boat overturned on the Swan River on Sunday, trapping her underneath.
Phoebe Knudsen’s family said she “was doing what she loved” when she was injured in the accident.
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READ NOWParamedics were called to assist the 17-year-old who was unconscious when they arrived after 1.20pm.
Ms Knudsen had been racing for more than three years and is a former champion.
In a statement, Ms Knudsen’s parents Alison and Lennart said their daughter was wearing all the required safety gear at the time.
“While she (Phoebe) is quite reserved and quiet, she is a very determined and strong young lady. She will be fighting hard to recover and get back to the sport she loves,” the statement read.
“She loves a challenge and she will take this as a challenge to overcome.”
The racing family said they have always prioritised safety.
Mr Knudsen has more than 10 years experience in the sport and her sister Kayla was the first female to win a junior Speedboat title more than 10 years ago.
“The boat Phoebe was in on Sunday was basically the same boat she won the 2017 Junior title in,” the statement continued.
“However, on Sunday, she was racing in the Senior section.”
The family thanked first responders and the WA Speed Boat Club.
The Department of Transport is continuing to work with police to investigate the accident.