BBC News, Suffolk
Circuit Powerboat AssociationTributes have been paid to a “popular” powerboat driver who died after a collision with a stationary houseboat during an international competition.
The Circuit Powerboat Association (CPA) said the crash happened during the event on Oulton Broad, Suffolk at about 19:50 BST on Thursday.
Suffolk Police confirmed the powerboat driver died at the scene, with the coastguard and East of England Ambulance Service also in attendance.
The CPA said in a statement the driver who died was Brett Duncan, 51, and the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau will be investigating.
Shaun Whitmore/BBC“We are sad to confirm that circuit powerboat racer, Brett Duncan, 51, has unfortunately succumbed to the injuries that he sustained in a lone racing accident,” the CPA said.
In a statement, it paid tribute to Mr Duncan.
“As an experienced and popular member of the power boating 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.”
It also thanked event staff and emergency services for their “swift and timely response” to the accident.
Suffolk Police said officers were called “to reports of a collision involving a powerboat and a stationary houseboat in the vicinity of Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre”.
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.
In an earlier statement on social media, the CPA said no other competitor was involved.
“We ask that while this incident is ongoing, that people refrain from speculating on the circumstances and that the privacy of family of the competitor involved, is respected,” it added.
A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau said it was aware of the incident.
“Our inspectors are in the process of making preliminary enquiries to better understand the circumstances which led to this accident,” they added.
