A MAN in his 50s has died after a powerboat crashed into a houseboat at a water sports centre.
Cops scrambled to the scene after reports of a collision during a racing event on Oulton Broad, Suffolk, just after 7pm yesterday.
Facebook / Circuit Powerboat AssociationA statement from the Circuit Powerboat Association announced Brett Duncan as the tragic victim[/caption]
The force confirmed that a powerboat ploughed into a stationary houseboat and a man died at the scene despite the best efforts of medics.
Brett Duncan, 51, has now been named as the victim in the crash, according to the Circuit Powerboat Association (CPA).
The Circuit Powerboat Association – the sport’s governing body – said he was “an experienced and popular member of the power boating community” in a statement on Facebook.
The association said: “Following on from a racing incident we are sad to confirm that circuit powerboat racer, Brett Duncan, has unfortunately succumbed to the injuries that he sustained in a lone racing accident.
“As an experienced and popular member of the powerboating community, we are shocked and saddened by Brett’s untimely passing and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time.”
The statement continued: “We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all of the event staff and the emergency services for their swift and timely response to the incident.”
There were no other injuries as a result of the collision, said Suffolk Police.
It is understood a race was taking place at the water sports venue at 6pm yesterday, as reported by the CPA.
Police are working closely with partners and other agencies in relation to the incident.
The Coastguard and East of England Ambulance Service also attended, and police were liaising closely with the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB).
The Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club had promised a “display of high-speed action on the water, featuring skilled drivers” during the ninth round of their championships.
A spokesperson for the MAIB said it was aware of the incident.
They added: “Our inspectors are in the process of making preliminary enquiries to better understand the circumstances which led to this accident.”
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Police were called to Oulton Broad, in Suffolk, at around 7.10pm yesterday Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
