At 4:41am police received a call from a staff member at Lefroy House, Lagoon Road, Sandys requesting medical assistance for a male who came knocking on their door for help.

Details are still unclear but it appears that 3 persons, two males and one female went on an excursion on an 18ft vessel and hit the rocks.

One of the males was unresponsive and subsequently taken to the hospital via ambulance where he later was pronounced dead.

The other two individuals did not appear to have any life threatening injuries.

No further information will be given until the family of the deceased has been notified.

Update: Wednesday, January 2nd - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 24 year old Mr. Adrian Hassell and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Hassell, believed to be a Sandys parish resident, was seriously injured when the private powerboat he was traveling in struck rocks near Lefroy House in Sandys parish around 4:40am Tuesday, January 1st (New Year’s Day).

Despite lifesaving efforts as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance in an unresponsive state, Mr. Hassell was subsequently pronounced dead.

The operator of the powerboat, said to be a 30 year old man and another occupant of the vessel, said to be a 25 year old woman, were also injured and transported to hospital for treatment.

At last check this morning (January 2nd) the 30 year old man was listed in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit while the 25 year old woman had been treated and discharged. Both are believed to be Smith’s parish residents.

The powerboat operator was arrested on suspicion of piloting or being at the helm of a boat while impaired and later placed on police bail.

The scene has been processed by the relevant police personnel and the 18 foot vessel involved impounded pending further inquiries.

The investigation into this fatal boat crash continues and the investigating officer is interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or spoken to Mr. Hassell on the evening of December 31st (New Year’s Eve), particularly at City of Hamilton establishments Dog House or Pickled Onion on Front Street – as well as anyone who may have seen or spoken to the friends he was with that night.

Anyone that can assist is asked to please call Sergeant Mark Procter on 717-2077 or to make contact via his e-mail mprocter@bps.bm.