New Zealander dies in sea-race flip

A New Zealander died when his boat flipped over during a powerboat race around the mid-Atlantic island of Bermuda.

Marine mechanic Stuart Smith, aged 35, of Whakatane, was thrown into the water on Sunday when the 6m catamaran he was navigating overturned after hitting a wave.

The boat was capable of racing at up to 145km/h, but it was not known how fast the boat was travelling at the time of the accident.

Mr Smith, who was riding in the boat with driver Michael Araujo, was taken to Coral Beach on the island's south shore, where a doctor watching the race tried unsuccessfully to revive him.

Dr Peter Perinchief said it seemed Mr Smith had broken his neck. An exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

Mr Araujo suffered a broken arm and fractured ribs.

The accident was one of several during the race, and two other men were taken to hospital for treatment.

Last year's champion, David Durham, was treated for neck and back injuries and another racer was treated for a concussion.

Both were injured when their boats flipped.

- NZPA