Boat user reported for speeding 10 times over limit

A man was seen launching a personal watercraft in Brightlingsea and had reached 40 knots (46 miles) per hour by the time officers stopped him at Ray Creek

Police have reported a man riding a personal watercraft at 10 times the legal speed limit.

The boat user launched the craft at the River Colne at Brightlingsea Creek, between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, and sped up to about 40 knots (46 miles) per hour in a four-knot (4.6 mile) speed limit, according to Essex Police.

Marine officers stopped the man at Ray Creek on Saturday and reported him to Colchester City Council, which enforces the local water bylaws.

Sgt Alex Southgate said: “Brightlingsea Creek is the entrance to a very busy harbour and the speed limit keeps everyone safe by reducing the risk of collisions and injury."

The marine team were taking part in regular patrols to crack down on anti-social behaviour on the water, as well as supporting the Colne Smack and Sailing Barge Match.

As a result of the match, there were significantly more boats and water users in the area, according to Sgt Southgate.

He said officers had worked closely with Brightlingsea Harbourmaster this year, including joint patrols.

"But, although the number of reports and incidents of anti-social behaviour on the water has reduced since we started our regular summer patrols along the coast in 2022, we still see instances where people put themselves and others at risk," he said.

“We ask that personal watercraft riders and people in boats keep to the speed limits and bear the safety of other water-users in mind."