Sunseeker race boat sinks in Marseille
Drama struck Dorset-based Team Sunseeker during practice on Saturday for the Powerboat P1 Grand Prix de Marseille, when the XS Challenger pitched and sank. Attempts to salvage the boat are now underway in the hope the craft will be recovered back to Port Rouge.
Driver Andy Wilby and Throttleman Pete Little were both thrown clear and were recovered quickly from the water before being taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Both pilots suffered bruising but otherwise appear to be in good spirits.
“The sea conditions changed and were rough,” explains Team Manager Mel Wilby. “We were testing different props and the lads were practicing turns exactly as they had been doing morning. It would appear that in the turbulent water and wake from other competitors, the boat dug-in and pitched.”
The focus is now on repairing the boat in time for the next event, the Maltese GP, in June.
