Powerboat driver dies after crash with houseboat at Oulton Broad

A powerboat driver has died during an international competition after their boat collided with a stationary houseboat.

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 has now confirmed the powerboat driver, a man in his 50s, died at the scene.

The Coastguard and East of England Ambulance Service also attended, and police were liaising closely with the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB).

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 a 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 MAIB 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.