Powerboat driver dies after crashing into houseboat

The Circuit Powerboat Association paid tribute to Brett Duncan in a statement

Tributes have been paid to a "popular" powerboat driver who died after a crash with a stationary houseboat during a competition.

The Circuit Powerboat Association (CPA) said the accident 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 would be investigating.

The race takes place near moored boats at Oulton Broad

"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 said.

It also thanked event staff and emergency services for their "swift and timely response" to the accident.

The Marine Accident Investigation Bureau said it was making inquiries following the collision

Stewartby Powerboat and Hydroplane Racing Club, based in Stewartby, Bedfordshire, also paid tribute to Mr Duncan.

"As a long time supporter and club member we are devastated to hear the news that Brett Duncan passed away last night," it said on social media.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the racing world at this very sad time."

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.

The Powerboat World Championships, pictured in 2023, at Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club

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.

Posters of the powerboat racing schedule are on display around Oulton Broad

Wendy Shakespeare was in Oulton Broad watching the race when she heard an "almighty bang".

"Next thing I know, an ambulance turns up - not one, but three ambulances - and then there were lifeguards, paramedics and they stayed there for an hour and a half," she said.

"Lots of us just stayed there waiting to hear something because you just feel terrible, you feel bad.

"It's very sad, it's affected all of us."