POWERBOAT navigator Dan Whapples is showing signs of improvement after he was injured in a horrific high-speed crash in Weymouth Bay.

Mr Whapples, 32, from Warsash, suffered from serious multiple injuries in the horrific accident which happened during the P1 SuperStock UK Championship event on Sunday afternoon.

He was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital, where he underwent surgery on Monday and is now reported to be showing signs of improvement.

His driver Mike Lovell, 27, from Southampton, sadly died during Sunday night from his injuries.

A spokesman for P1 SuperStock said: “Powerboat racer Dan Whapples, who sustained serious injuries in a race incident in Weymouth on Sunday, is showing signs of improvement although he remains in intensive care in Southampton General Hospital. “Further updates will be issued in due course.

“The Royal Yachting Association, the national body of powerboat racing in this country, has confirmed that it will be conducting a full and independent investigation into the incident and race organiser Powerboat P1 will co-operate fully with the appointed panel.”

News of the tragedy has shocked the powerboat community with messages of support and sympathy have been flooding in from colleagues and friends.

Martin Braybrook, the owner of the Brookspeed team which both men were racing with, paid tribute to Mr Lovell and said he was much loved and dearly missed.

Simon North of P1 SuperStock, said their thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone affected by the accident.

Members of the wider community also offered support to the family and friends of the two men.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: “My condolences go to Mike Lovell’s family and friends and my thoughts are with Dan Whapples who survived and is seriously injured.

“I’m very sad for everyone involved in this. It seems like one of these ghastly freak accidents.”

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Councillor Margaret Leicester said she was saddened and shocked by the tragic news.

She said: “It’s a horrible thing to happen. It’s so sad for everyone involved.”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the incident in Weymouth and we are making our initial enquiries.”

A police spokesman said on Monday that officers are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.