High-speed collision on the River Dart

Late-night crash leads to severe injuries and two boats sinking

Brixham Coastguard was called to the rescue just after midnight last night when a speedboat travelling at top speed collided with a stationary motoryacht at Dittisham on the River Dart. The boats became locked together and began to sink at the site of the crash. As both boats were in the river at the time, the injured parties were unable to make immediate landfall. An emergency call from a member of the public alerted the Coastguard, who immediately requested the Torbay inshore and all-weather lifeboats to launch. A rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor was also scrambled to the scene, and Torbay hospital was alerted.

The three people onboard the speedboat all went into the water and were rescued by a yacht moored nearby. The two passengers – one of whom was found face down in the water, concussed – were treated on the scene by the Coastguard and paramedics, before being taken to Torbay hospital for further checks. The driver, who suffered severe head injuries, was taken by helicopter to Derriford hospital.

Sean Brooks, Watch Manager at Brixham Coastguard, said: ‘We have no idea yet why the speedboat had been travelling at such a speed in this area and further investigations will continue.’