ISLE of Wight MP Dr Peter Brand was involved in a bizarre sea rescue after he fell on top of a companion in the middle of a Solent speedboat race.

The Liberal Democrat MP was thrown across the boat when the four-stroke, 130hp boat caught the wake of another competitor taking part in the Cowes Classic powerboat race yesterday afternoon.

He lurched into Peter Hammond, sports editor of the Isle of Wight County Press, who was also on board the boat, leaving him with badly bruised ribs.

The duo had been taking part in the event at the invitation of sponsors.

Solent coastguard were called to co-ordinate the rescue of 45-year-old Mr Hammond.

Dr Brand, praised the actions of the coastguard in their prompt rescue of Mr Hammond who was airlifted to hospital.

He said: "Although the boats were small they were very fast and tend to jump about a bit.

"We caught the wake of another boat and I lurched across the boat, injuring John when I fell and pushed him onto the gunwhales.

"He was quite badly winded and was in extreme pain.

"We thought he had bruised his ribs, and he was quite shocked so I immediately stopped the boat.

"The efficiency of the coastguard was splendid, and once John had received some painkillers he was laughing all the way onto the helicopter. I understand there is nothing broken.''

After the call was received from race organisers, the coastguard helicopter, based at Lee-on-Solent, was scrambled to Colwell Bay near Totland on the Isle of Wight. An inshore lifeboat and coastguard launch also attended.

Mr Hammond was airlifted to St Mary's hospi-tal in Newport for treatment, while Dr Brand returned to shore.

Ironically, Dr Brand is no stranger to the sea and lives on a house boat when at the House of Commons.

He said: "Although I am fairly experienced on the water I have never gone that fast in that kind of boat."

Mike Greiner, acting watch manager for Portland coastguard, said: "This was an unfortunate accident. It appears the two men were being thrown around in the boat and that Mr Hammond was injured when they fell.

"The casualty will be kept in overnight at St Mary's hospital for observation.''

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