visitor in hospital with a smashed leg.

Christine Alfano of Melrose, Massachusetts, was jet skiing with a local water sports operator in Castle Harbour when she was involved in a collision with her instructor.

The incident happened around 3.30 p.m. on Thursday after Miss Alfano and six friends had rented jet skis from Blue Water Divers.

The group was visiting the Island on the Norwiegan Crown cruise ship from Boston as part of a college graduation trip.

Friends of Miss Alfano who were on their own jet skis when the collision occurred, said they saw the instructor drive into Alfano's jet ski at a high speed.

But Marriott Director of Operations David Abraham said the crash happened because the instructor was trying to stop two other jet skiers who were driving fast and dangerously.

He called the collision "an unfortunate incident'' but said the Marriott had found Blue Water Divers to be "an excellent company'' who were vigilant about safety.

And he pointed out that it was the first incident to happen since the company took over the water sports concession at the hotel last spring.

Miss Alfano was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and underwent surgery for a broken leg just over two hours after the crash.

Marine Police are investigating.

JET SKIING SKI