Four rescued from capsized powerboat near Hamble Point
A prototype Vector powerboat capsized near Hamble Point on a test run this morning, sparking a Coastguard rescue mission
A dramatic powerboat crash on Southampton Water this morning sparked a Coastguard rescue mission, which resulted in four people being taken to hospital.
The loud collision was reported at around 0800 and many eyewitnesses identified the capsized vessel as a Vector model.
The Coastguard reports that the powerboat had four people onboard when it crashed into a south cardinal marker near Warsash Maritime Academy and capsized.
James Way, maritime operations controller for the Coastguard said: “Our rescue assets were on scene quickly.
“All four people were transferred by lifeboat to the shore, they are all being taken to Southampton General hospital by road ambulance.”
The capsized powerboat has since been towed to Hamble Point Marina, where it is currently moored on the harbourmaster’s pontoon.
Nick Parton, general manger at Hamble Point Marina, told MBY: “We saw the Coastguard helicopters head out and remains of the boat being towed in.
“It’s still capsized so it’s hard to tell what it is, but I was told it was a Vector raceboat.”
The incident will now be reported to the Marine Accident Investigations Branch.
Heartstopping moment £1million speedboat prototype wiped out at 80mph as champion racer took it for a test run with his son
Vector boat struck a buoy and flipped near Hamble Marina in Hampshire
Three men were hurt while a teenager was left with life threatening injuries
Pilot of £1m boat risked his life to save teen by going back to pull him out
Powerboat world champion Peter Dredge and his son thought to have been on board
This is the heartstopping moment a £1million speedboat prototype wiped out at 80mph as a champion racer took it for a test run with his son.
Pictures show the dramatic moment the Vector powerboat struck a buoy and overturned near Hamble Marina in Hampshire this morning.
It is understood that powerboat world champion Peter Dredge, a director of Vector World which design and manufacture powerboats, and his son Simon Dredge were on board when it crashed.
A member of the lifeboat team today said the pilot of the powerboat risked his life to save a teenager on board by going back in to pull him out.
The teen, who had sustained a head and arm injury, is currently in a critical condition in hospital while the three other men on board - two in their 50s and another in their 20s - were also hurt.
Mark Weatherhead, who rushed to the powerboat to rescue those on board, said the pilot changed direction after seeing something in front of him.
He said: ‘He took a sharp turn and hit something and then the boat rolled over. They managed to open the cabin door and three of them got out and onto the work boat but the fourth person wasn't seen so he went back into the boat and pulled the fourth crew member out.
‘It was brave going back into an upturned boat when you have opened the cabin door up to get out. There's the potential that it could sink at any time.
‘Potentially by doing what he did he saved the fourth crew member's life. Getting out of a vessel is hard enough in itself.
‘To go back in and get somebody out - I think he did a fantastic job. It was a pretty heroic thing to do. He obviously risked his own life to do it.’
Emergency services, including a Coastguard helicopter, rushed to the stricken boat and the men were transferred to the shore by lifeboat before being taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance.
Of the other three men on board, he explained two had head injuries and were immobilised and another had a cut to the head.
Mr Weatherhead understands the boat was going up and down Southampton Water to test out the engine of a new boat.
He added eyewitnesses who reported the incident had estimated that the boat was going roughly 80 miles an hour.
Mr Dredge, 52, is the founder and chief technical officer of Vector World who has been a competitive powerboat racer for over 30 years.
He also held the post of Director of Powerboat Racing and Recreational Motor-boating at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) for 14 years.
He was responsible for developing many of the safety standards and guidelines used today, in all aspects of recreational and professional powerboat racing.
He has won two World and three European Championships and has broken 21 World Speed and Endurance Records, 15 of which still stand today.
A statement from Vector powerboats today confirmed one of their prototypes, which they estimate to be worth £1million, crashed in the Solent on a scheduled test run.
It read: 'We would like to confirm that a Vector prototype powerboat was involved in an incident on the Solent today, 13th May 2015.
“The boat was piloted by an experienced professional and was on a scheduled test run ”
'The crew were admitted to a local hospital for tests and observation. We wish them a speedy recovery.'
Eyewitness Daniel Ubertini, who was out taking photos of the speedboat, described the scene as he watched the craft flip at around 8am this morning.
The 66-year-old French national, who moved to the UK two months ago, said the driver had been testing around the Solent, travelling via the Isle of Wight and Southampton.
He said: 'The boat came in after going around Southampton, Gosport and the Isle of Wight and he was on his way back when he turned at the end of the Hamble river.
'He hit a buoy and he flipped on there. Within 15 or 20 minutes the boat was surrounded by about six other boats helping the injured.'
Mr Ubertini, a yacht valeter at Hamble Point Yacht Charters, said people began making frantic calls to the emergency services.
He added: 'I didn't see anybody out of the boat but then the helicopter came in with the door open and ready to secure and rescue the people on board.
'The sea was flat, it was perfectly flat and he was trying his boat out because the water was perfect.
'The buoy was very close and he hit it on the port (left) side. I'm very sorry for the guy as I don't know yet what happened to him but people here were calling the police and emergency services.'
Two RNLI lifeboats from Calshot along with several ambulances and the police marine unit were at the scene this morning
Record-breaking powerboat pilot Keith Whittle, 58, who once walked away with just bruises from a 130mph crash on Coniston Water where Donald Campbell was killed in his Bluebird, said: 'The boat is in the £1million pound bracket.
'I know all of them on board and I didn’t even know they had gone out this morning until I saw the news.
Eyewitness Gary Pullen was out jogging at the time of the crash and was the closest person to it
'They must have gone out for an early run and it’s just a freak accident. It’s barrel-rolled on top of the bouy.
'I got away with it when I was doing 130mph and this boat is near capable of those speeds but I only had bruising.'
Mr Whittle, from Hayling Island, Hampshire, worked on the same committee as Mr Dredge on the RYA for a number of years.
He added: 'I really hope they are all ok.'
Eyewitness Gary Pullen was out jogging at the time of the crash and was the closest person to it.
The aircraft electrician, 33, said: 'I was the closest one to the crash.
'I was running along and could hear it tanking it up and down. The noise was something else, it was so loud that I could hear it over my headphones.
'It was just tanking it up and down the water, like it was full on flying across the water. It looked like it was trying to go around the buoy, but obviously it hit it and went flying into the air.
't was a spectacular crash, but it was chaotic. When I saw it I thought to myself that it looked like one of those things that is going to go badly wrong.
'When it happened adrenaline just took over and I just couldn't believe what happened. I immediately called 999 and asked for the coastguard. I have to be honest I really wanted to get in there and try and help but the coastguard kept telling me not to.
'It wasn't until after a couple of minutes I saw someone's arm waving back at me from the water.'
A female dog walker who saw the crash said: 'I jumped out of my skin when I saw it, it went flying in the air and the trail of water it left behind was like a tidal wave.
'It was like when you see something dramatic and it goes in slow motion, it felt like the boat was in the air forever and I just couldn't stop staring but then it came crashing down and made a huge bang.'
Mark Thomas, a technician instructor at the Warsash Maritime Academy, saw the speedboat coming past moments before the crash as he got out of his car at work.
The 66-year-old, from Parkgate, Hampshire, said: 'I pulled up to work and got out my car when I saw it going past earlier on.
'The crash can't have happened long after I saw it as when I got into my office I heard a huge bang.'
David Griffiths, from the South Central Ambulance Service, confirmed that the teenager on board was left with life threatening injuries.
He added that four ambulances attended the scene.
A Coastguard spokesman said: 'Just after 8am this morning UK Coastguard received multiple 999 calls from members of the public reporting that a speedboat had crashed into a cardinal marker and capsized, just outside the Hamble River, close to the Warsash Maritime Academy.
'The Coastguard requested the Search and Rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent to the scene along with both RNLI lifeboats from Calshot.
'The speedboat had four people on board. All four have sustained injuries.'
James Way, Maritime Operations Controller for the Coastguard, said: 'Our rescue assets were on scene quickly.
'All four people were transferred by lifeboat to the shore, they are all being taken to Southampton General hospital by road ambulance.
'Police and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed.'
Vector powerboats has a renowned pedigree in racing with almost 30 years experience in manufacturing and racing.
The range of Vector powerboats can travel in speeds from 40 knots - or 46mph - up to 120 knots - or 138mph.
This year its boats are due to feature at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and at a Top Gear Cannes Festival shoot.
Teenager in stable condition after Vector powerboat prototype on a scheduled test run struck a buoy and flipped over
A statement released by the company today said: “The boat was piloted by highly experienced powerboat professional Peter Dredge and was carrying three crew members.
"All were admitted to a local hospital for observation. Three of the crew have now been discharged, the fourth remains in hospital in a stable condition pending further treatment.”
RYA name crew of powerboat crash in Southampton Water
Experienced powerboat racers Peter Dredge and Simon Wood-Power, along with engineer Lee Hurst and Peter’s teenage son Simon were involved in Wednesday’s crash in the Solent.
It is believed that the £1million Vector powerboat prototype was on a scheduled test run at the time of the incident.
In a statement the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) said it is now known that the persons involved are, Peter Dredge, a former RYA Powerboat Racing Manager, past committee member and current powerboat racer. His son, Simon Dredge, Simon Wood-Power, also a former RYA Powerboat Racing committee chairman and current powerboat racer and Lee Hurst, an engineer from Ross Marine.
It is understood that two of the individuals involved are still under medical care with the other two having been discharged from hospital.
RYA powerboat racing manager Jeni Jelf said: ‘Peter Dredge and Simon Wood-Power are both highly regarded within the powerboat racing community and both are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this type of craft.
‘Although the incident was not in conjunction with any RYA activity or event, the persons involved have a long standing connection to the association.
‘On behalf of the Powerboat Racing Department along with its associated competitors, clubs and committee members, we would like to convey our thoughts and best wishes to those involved, especially those still receiving medical care and their families.’
Two Calshot RNLI lifeboats were launched at 8.30am on Wednesday, 13 May, following a report from the Coastguard that a speedboat had collided with the cardinal marker and overturned, just outside the Hamble River.
Calshot RNLI Helmsman Mark Weatherhead said: ‘We arrived within minutes to find a nearby workboat had managed to pull all four occupants of the speedboat from the water.
‘Our RNLI crew members, which included a paramedic, immediately went aboard the workboat and began treating all four people who were injured. Three of them had suffered head injuries with one serious.
‘A rescue helicopter then winched down a paramedic to our D-class RNLI lifeboat who was then taken aboard the workboat to help treat the injured.’
All four casualties were taken to shore at Warash where they were met by waiting paramedics. They were taken to hospital by ambulance.
Solent powerboat crash teenager Simon Dredge 'stable'
A teenager is "stable and improving" in hospital after the prototype powerboat he was training in crashed and overturned in the Solent.
Simon Dredge suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash on Wednesday.
He was travelling in the boat along with three other professional crew including his father Peter, a champion powerboat racer.
Powerboat company, Vector World said the boat was on its first test run when it overturned just after 08:20 BST.
A spokeswoman said: "We are encouraged to hear that Simon is stable and improving."
Peter Dredge, Simon Wood-Power, a powerboat racer and Lee Hurst, a powerboat engineer were all taken to Southampton General Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
They have since been discharged.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the high-powered vessel come out of the water "like a rocket" before flipping over.
In a statement following the crash, Hampshire Constabulary said it appeared the powerboat "lost control" just before it collided with the Hamble Point cardinal mark.
The large metal buoy marks the entrance to the Hamble River.
A joint investigation into the crash is being carried out by Hampshire Police Marine Unit and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
Simon Dredge still in hospital after boat crash in Southampton Water
A TEENAGER who was critically injured when a £1million speed boat flipped over in Southampton Water remains in hospital this morning.
Simon Dredge sustained a life-threatening head injury when the Vector powerboat he was riding in struck a buoy and crashed on a scheduled test run near Hamble Point Marina.
The 17-year-old from Warsash is being treated for his injuries in Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London after being transferred from Southampton General Hospital.
Last night a spokeswoman for Vector World, which owns the 40ft-long powerboat, said the youngster was in “a stable and improving condition” five days after the incident.
He is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days at least.
“It will probably take a while. I have no idea about timeframes,” the spokesman added.
The incident triggered a huge rescue operation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and emergency services in front of horrified onlookers.
Moments after the last week’s crash Simon’s powerboat champion father Peter Dredge returned to the stricken vessel to pull him to safety ahead of coastguards, lifeboats and emergency services.
Simon Wood-Power, from Christchurch, and Lee Hurst, an engineer from Ross Marine, were also on board when the boat crashed shortly after 8am last Wednesday [May 13]. Mr Wood-Power, from Christchurch, was treated at the Southampton hospital.
His teachers, fellow students and the whole college community are shocked by the news of this tragic accident.
“Our thoughts are very much with Simon and his family and we wish him a swift and full recovery.”
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch confirmed last week than an investigation into the crash had been launched with Hampshire Marine Police Unit providing support.
The Vector V40R prototype is new to the company’s range where similar vessels are said to reach speeds up to 138mph.
Peter is founder and technical director of Vector World and has won two World and three European Championships.
He has also broken 21 World Speed and Endurance Records, 15 of which still stand today.
Jennifer Jelf, power boat manager of the Royal Yachting Association, a position Peter Dredge also held for 12 years and where Mr Wood-Power served as a committee chairman, said: “Both men are highly regarded within the powerboat racing community and both are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this type of craft.
“We would like to convey our thoughts and best wishes to those involved, especially those still receiving medical care, and their families.”
The Vector spokesman added that Peter was a “highly experienced powerboat professional”.
Simon Dredge is expected to make a full recovery after his life-threatening crash on a Vector speedboat in The Solent
A TEENAGER critically injured when a £1m speedboat crashed in the Solent is expected to make a full recovery.
Simon Dredge, 17, was hurt when the Vector powerboat he was riding in struck a buoy and crashed on a scheduled test run near Hamble Point Marina.
And Vector has now confirmed he is making “positive progress” and expected to make a full recovery.
The speedboat was on its first test run at the time of the accident, according to the company.
The incident on May 13 triggered a huge rescue operation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and emergency services in front of horrified onlookers.
Moments after the crash Simon's powerboat champion father Peter Dredge returned to the stricken vessel to pull him to safety ahead of coastguards, lifeboats and emergency services.
Simon Wood-Power, from Christchurch, and Lee Hurst, an engineer from Ross Marine, were also on board when the boat crashed. Mr Wood-Power, from Christchurch, was treated at the Southampton hospital.
Southampton General Hospital previously that the 17-year-old, from Warsash, had been transferred to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Simon, a Barton Peveril College student, has recently completed a two year Extended Diploma in Sport programme.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the crash, with Hampshire Marine Police Unit providing support.
