Footage of powerboat crash shown to inquest
Circuit Powerboat AssociationA video that captured a hydroplane crashing into a stationary houseboat was shown at the inquest into the driver's death.
Brett Duncan, 51, of Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, died after taking part in an international event on Oulton Broad on 24 July 2025.
The inquest at Suffolk Coroner's Court heard that Duncan suffered fatal head injuries after his hydroplane hit the boat.
In a statement read by the coroner, Duncan's widow, Rhianon Phillips-Duncan, said: "Losing Brett in such a tragic accident has been devastating for us as a family. The impact has been overwhelmingly distressing."
The inquest heard that Duncan, who was a father to two teenagers, was an experienced and popular member of the power boating community.
Houseboat owner Jaki Beech told the court she was on board the vessel with her niece, but her boat's steel frame withstood the impact.
She added that the hydroplane being driven by Duncan "disintegrated" on impact.
She recalled Duncan looking left towards another houseboat before looking at her boat directly before the crash.
Beech told the court that she believed the sport was "highly dangerous" and hydroplanes should be stopped from racing on Oulton Broad.
Shaun Whitmore/BBCThe Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club announced in July that it was cancelling its 2026 racing season as it had not been given permission for on-water activities to recommence.
The club stressed the decision "should not be interpreted as the end of powerboat racing at Oulton Broad".
The inquest is expected to finish on Tuesday.
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