Speeding boat called Peaky Blinder in fatal harbour crash was driven by drunk man, investigation reveals

A speeding pleasure boat known as Peaky Blinder was involved in a fatal collision in Portsmouth Harbour, according to an investigation released recently. The vessel, operated by William Blake, 61, crashed into a stationary navigation beacon on 14 August last year, resulting in the deaths of Blake and his friend Gary Huntington, 60. A third passenger, aged 56, survived the incident. Blake's boat, a rigid inflatable, was traveling at speeds exceeding the legal limit by more than fourfold during the incident. Investigators recorded the vessel moving at up to 49.7 knots, approximately 57.1 miles per hour, before losing control and striking the beacon at 33.5 knots at around 7.25 pm. All three individuals were thrown into the water during the impact, none of whom were wearing life jackets, according to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). The group had been on a social trip to various locations in the Solent and Isle of Wight areas prior to the crash. The MAIB report noted that alcohol consumption played a central role throughout the day. Before departing, the group consumed a glass of sparkling wine each. At a hotel, they drank approximately 10 cans of beer and cider collectively, followed by two rounds of drinks at a restaurant. Blake, who had already consumed additional beer, was described as “noticeably unsteady on his feet.” Toxicology reports revealed a “significant alcohol concentration” in Blake’s blood, which could have impaired his judgment, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. After being ejected overboard, the surviving passenger attempted to locate Blake, but was unsuccessful. He then swam to Huntington, who was floating unconscious, and helped pull him toward the boat. About 20 minutes after the crash, emergency services arrived and retrieved Huntington, providing first aid before airlifting him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Blake’s body was recovered five days after the incident. A post-mortem determined his cause of death as drowning combined with a head injury. The MAIB highlighted that there are currently “no enforceable alcohol limits for non-professional mariners,” describing this as a “longstanding regulatory gap.” It recommended that the Secretary of State for Transport introduce such limits. Rob Loder, chief inspector of marine accidents, emphasized that alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidents. He noted that setting alcohol limits for recreational boaters has been previously recommended by the MAIB. Loder expressed hope that these recommendations would lead to meaningful change, reducing the likelihood of future fatalities linked to excessive drinking. Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association, pointed out that Parliament granted the necessary legislative powers in 2003 to address the absence of alcohol limits for recreational boaters. However, these measures have yet to be implemented, despite ongoing concerns raised by ports, harbor authorities, and safety experts. Ballantyne urged the government to adopt the MAIB’s suggestions and establish a clear schedule for enforcement. The Department for Transport has not yet responded to inquiries regarding its stance on the issue.