HIGH octane thrills offshore and a packed programme of land-based entertainment drew tens of thousands of visitors to Ramsgate for the annual powerboat grand prix weekend.

But on Saturday the thrills were matched with spills as one of the V24 class boats which can reach 80 miles an hour became the centre of a dramatic accident.

As the white-hulled craft won its heat it flipped over after crossing the finishing line. A safety boat sped to its side as the weight of the engine dragged the craft with its two-man crew under the waves.

Former lifeboatman Mike Pett, who was working as a media photographer at the scene, said: "There is only about a minute’s air in the cockpit once the craft is submerged like that.

"It was tense as the rescue crew, the crowd and the race commentator waited to see if the crew freed themselves.

"The boat ended up with its nose pointing up out of the sea. It seemed like an age as we waited but then the orange crash helmets of the men could be seen bobbing above the waves. They were taken to the Queen Mother hospital at Margate for a check up but were not badly hurt."

The eighth annual event was expanded this year to include world class water ski-ing.

Ramsgate Town Partnership organised events around the Royal Harbour marina, while Thanet council’s maritime team and the All Hallows Yacht Club were responsible for all the action out on the water that also featured K class racing for youngsters and Hotboats, a larger, more powerful craft.

The continental market, street entertainers, bands, and a firework display were popular with visitors who packed the area late into the evening on both race days.