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Canterbury: Man killed during boat race at West Bay, Dorset

A 53-year-old man from Canterbury has tragically died after the power boat he was piloting crashed into another boat during a race.

The tragedy happened yesterday afternoon during an Offshore Circuit Racing Drivers Association (OCRDA) race at West Bay, Dorset.

The beach is where the TV show Broadchurch is filmed and was packed full of spectators watching the races when the incident happened.

Emergency services at West Bay. Photo: Susan Carter (2710838)
Emergency services at West Bay. Photo: Susan Carter (2710838)

Susan Carter was at the scene and says crowds were pushed back to make way for the emergency services. "There were many spectators who had to be moved back to the promenade area from the slipway and pier before the helicopter could land.

"The emergency services were only just arriving by road so the event marshalls were controlling the crowd and clearing the area so the helicopter could land safely."

According to the Dorset Echo his female co-pilot was taken to hospital and treated for shock.

The two pilots in the other power boat escaped injury.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch are investigating.

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