Final powerboat race cancelled after racer's death

A poster on a park gate in Oulton Broad detailing the dates of the racesImage source, Shaun Whitmore/BBC
Image caption,

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

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The final fixture of a powerboat race series has been cancelled due to ongoing investigations into the death of a racer.

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

Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club's (LOBMBC) temporarily suspended races due to investigations, but it had hoped its Battle of Britain meeting on 14 September would go ahead.

On Wednesday the club said it had "tried our very hardest" to get a return to racing, but the race season was now over.

"It's with a very heavy heart we have to formally announce and confirm the L&OBMBC 2025 race season is now over," the club said in a statement on social media, external.

"The club, its directors and management have all worked very hard with the various investigations and authorities to get a return to racing but it's simply not going to happen this year."

Brett Duncan looks away from the camera. He has short dark hair and wears glasses with a black polo top. Image source, Circuit Powerboat Association
Image caption,

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

The club thanked The Circuit Powerboat Association and offered its thoughts to Mr Duncan's family.

His funeral is due to take place on Saturday with his hearse being taken to Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad "for a final lap of the park", his family said.

East Suffolk Council is currently investigating the crash.

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

A general aerial view of the Oulton Broad marina. Boats and yachts rest in the water.Image source, Shaun Whitmore/BBC
Image caption,

The powerboat racing schedule at Oulton Broad has come to an end for the year

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