Rumours of powerboat racing's return 'incorrect'

Brett Duncan died in a collision during a powerboat race in July

A motor boat club that suspended powerboat racing after a driver died said incorrect information was being shared about the return of racing.

Brett Duncan, 51, was fatally injured after a crash with a stationary houseboat at Oulton Broad in Suffolk on 24 July.

Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club's (LOBMBC) temporary suspension of competitions remains in place. A race scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday has been cancelled.

It stressed official information about any lifting of the suspension would be issued by the club.

Before the suspension of racing, posters showing the times and dates of events were on display in Nicholas Everitt Park

The commodore, Peter Mantripp, said LOBMBC was working "tirelessly to get a return to racing on the broad".

"It's been brought to our attention that some individuals are creating incorrect information about the return to racing.

"All official communication and updates will be via direct email, or on the club's Facebook and website," he added.

"Please be assured we really are working hard and doing our very best, but have to respect the various investigations."

He said the club remained positive that racing would take place at its Battle of Britain meeting on 14 September.

East Suffolk Council is investigating the crash at Oulton Broad

Meanwhile, details of Mr Duncan's funeral were announced by his family online via a funeral director.

His hearse will go Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad "for a final lap of the park" at a place that "meant so much" to him on 6 September.

A ceremony is then planned later in Ipswich which his family said was "open to those who wish to attend".

"Everyone's kind gestures have meant so much to us and is truly reflective of how much Brett meant to so many people," his family added.

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

LOBMBC also launched a fundraiser for Mr Duncan's family, which has raised over £22,000.

A powerboat race originally scheduled to take place at Oulton Broad on Bank Holiday Monday has been cancelled

In a statement, an East Suffolk Council spokesperson said an investigation into the crash was "ongoing" and it was unable to comment further.

The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch also initially began an inquiry, but said it was no longer investigating as both vessels involved were not engaged in commercial activity.