10 years since tragic speedboat accident killed Gloucester teen
Today marks 10 years since Emily Gardner died in a speedboating accident in Torbay.
Last updated 2nd May 2025
The parents of Gloucester teen Emily Gardner have been praised for saving lives, 10 years after the 14-year-old died in a speedboating accident off the coast of Torbay.
Emily had taken the trip down to Devon with friends and a friends parents for the May bank holiday weekend.
On May the 2nd 2015 the group went out to sea in Torbay on a speedboat when a wave caused the boat to capsize and Emily became trapped underneath it as a result of a badly fitting buoyancy aid getting snagged.
Her mum Deborah told Greatest Hits Radio “The driver of the boat didn’t have experience in driving a boat at sea.
“Make sure you’ve got a means of communication.
“Again, there was no flares, there was no telephone.”
Since the incident her parents created 'Emily's Code' and have raised money for those who tried to help their daughter.
They say they want to help prevent anyone else ending up in the same situation.
Deborah said: “We created Emily’s Code which made up the catalogue of errors that led to Emily’s tragic passing.
“Emily's Code is made up of basic safety rules.”
Safety rules in Emily's Code include wearing a suitable life jacket and carrying distress signals.
Bob Penfold from The royal Torbay yacht club says the code has undoubtedly saved lives.
“The parents of Emily Gardner are to be congratulated and admired in the way that they have turned a family tragedy into such a positive legacy."
Her family are now raising funds for the RNLI who were involved in her rescue efforts to mark the 10th anniversary.
You can find their Just Giving link here.