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Wife's Horror: Husband Dies in High-Speed Boat Race
27 Oct
Summary
- A racer died from head injuries after his powerboat hit a houseboat.
- The boat failed to turn a buoy during a high-speed race.
- The racer's wife watched the tragic incident unfold.
A devastating incident at a powerboat race on Oulton Broad, Suffolk, resulted in the death of experienced racer Brett Duncan, 51. His powerboat crashed into a houseboat on July 24, 2025, after failing to turn a buoy during the event. Mr. Duncan sustained fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency services' efforts.
His wife, Rhianon Phillips-Duncan, who had filmed the race, expressed that the pain of his loss is "ever-lasting." An inquest heard that Mr. Duncan was not wearing a kill switch cord, despite being known for his methodical approach to safety. The precise reason for the powerboat veering off course remains undetermined.
Witnesses described seeing a look of horror on Mr. Duncan's face just before impact. Environmental health officers noted he had been struggling with a fogging helmet, and footage showed his visor up during practice laps. The boat, recently fitted with a new steering damper, showed no signs of engine malfunction. The Circuit Powerboat Association described Mr. Duncan as a popular and experienced member of the community.
