It was a tragedy which devastated what should have been an enjoyable bank holiday weekend near Padstow earlier this month. Six members of the same family, thrown from their speedboat, which then circled out of control, killing a father and daughter.
Accident investigators have today revealed the driver had not properly connected an important safety device.
The driver of a speedboat that went out of control killing two people in Cornwall was not attached to a safety device designed to cut the engine in an emergency.
Nick Milligan and 8-year-old Emily died when they were hit by the boat earlier this month. His wife and 4-year-old son were seriously injured.
A report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch advises drivers to wear a control cord so the engine cuts out if they get thrown from the boat.
Investigations have continued today into the deaths of a man and his 8-year-old daughter off Padstow. Nick and Emily Milligan were killed on Sunday when the speedboat they were in went out of control. They were then hit by the vessel.
Tonight four other members of the family remain in Derriford Hospital, with two being treated for 'life changing' injuries. Steve Hardy reports:
Falmouth Coastguard have confirmed a major rescue operation is underway on the Cornish Coast.
There are reports that a group of six people were struck by an out of control speedboat near Padstow harbour.
Emergency services believe a number of the group have been seriously injured .
Four men have been rescued after their ship was grounded on its way into Padstow.
The RNLI lifeboat was launched at 5 o'clock this morning after reports that the converted fishing vessel, Courageous II, had been holed in the Camel Estuary.
It arrived in minutes and brought the men back to the lifeboat station where they were checked over by paramedics.
RNLI Mechanic Michael England says:
"This was a very speedy rescue as the four men were in immediate danger with the boat literally breaking up under their feet. Fortunately thanks to Alan’s skilful boat handling in very shallow water we were able to get them off the boat and ashore in minutes and they are all well.
Sadly the vessel is breaking up very quickly. They’re regular visitors to Padstow, usually appearing for our annual Mayday celebrations, and it’s very sad to see their boat in such a terrible situation".
Chefs from three of Padstow's best known restaurants have taken over the contract at the primary school to provide school dinners. The emphasis is on healthy food, most of it locally sourced, with some of it being grown by the pupils in the school garden.
Police have resumed their search for a missing 90-year-old man.
He failed to return home to his wife last night and a search began. Officers, along with Falmouth Coastguard, are now searching the Camel Trail area between Wadebridge and Padstow.
Plans for a giant mussel sculpture in Padstow have sparked anger amongst some residents.
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