Powerboat fatality at Harwich
- Sun, 1 Aug 2010
- Comments (3)
Veteran British powerboat driver Ian Stirling (59) (pictured) was fatally injured at Harwich on Saturday when his boat was involved in a high-speed crash.
The boat hit a wave and flipped into the air ejecting both crew members before landing heavily on its driver.
Stirling was taking part in the European Class III C (two litre) championships in one of only three international offshore meetings held in the UK this year.
The accident happened during the third lap of the opening round of the title contest. The main European championships were abandoned as a mark of respect.
On Sunday afternoon, around 50 powerboats went to the scene of the accident where flowers were laid on the water and a minute's silence was held.
"Mr Stirling was a highly experienced pilot with 25 years of powerboat racing at a European and world championship level. He is going to be greatly missed within the powerboat racing family," John Puddifoot, RYA Powerboat Racing Manager, said.
The RYA is conducting an enquiry into the accident.
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Latest comments
Julien Abbott
August 02 14:24
A hero of mine and a great, great friend who i will miss greatly. We had some real great times Bud. Love and thoughts to Ro and his family.
RIP Buddy i'll never forget you x
Treacle
August 01 20:40
Ian was the most wonderful racer anyone could hope to know. He was the inspiration for so many people and it is truly the most tragic loss to powerboat racing. The most loved man in the sport, known as "old beardy" to his friends, he died doing what he loved. RIP Stir, we will all always love you and look up to you
Mick Verrier
August 01 17:52
Apparently all the racers wanted to continue, according to the organisers, but the Police ordered the event to be stopped. What were their reasons for doing that?