Powerboat racer killed after crashing into houseboat during major competition

A powerboat driver, aged in his 50s, has died after crashing into a houseboat during a major international racing competition, police have confirmed.

Brett Duncan, 51, tragically died at the scene of the collision at the competition, despite desperate attempts to save the powerboat driver. Officers rushed to the scene of a collision on Thursday, just after 7pm, at the Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre near Lowestoft, Suffolk. Ambulances and the Coastguard rushed to the crash site after the powerboat ploughed into a stationary houseboat, in what was described as a "lone racing accident". Cops confirmed there were no other injuries as a result of the horror crash.

The East of England Ambulance Service, Coastguard and a volunteer paramedic from Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS) were all called to the scene yesterday.

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Powerboats had gathered for a competition which the The Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club said would be a "display of high-speed action on the water, featuring skilled drivers". This fatal collision happened during the ninth round of the international competition.

The boat club said: "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."

The Circuit Powerboat Association confirmed Brett's identity and shared a statement following his sad death. The CPA said: "Following on from a racing incident that took place at the Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club on Thursday 24th July 2025, 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.

"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.

"We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all of the event staff and the emergency services for their swift and timely response to the incident.

"Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, there will be no further details released at this time. We also request that the family is given the privacy that they need to grieve."

An investigation into the tragic collision has been launched by the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau. The organisation said: "Our inspectors are in the process of making preliminary enquiries to better understand the circumstances which led to this accident."

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