A man riding a waterbike died after being involved in a collision with a friend's bike, an inquest heard.

Michael Taylor, 32, died after trying to do a "doughnut" move on his waterbike in front of another rider.

Mr Taylor's bike stopped dead in the water. Realising an accident was inevitable, his friend, Carl Bloomfield, jumped off his own bike.

Colchester Coroners' Court heard four friends were riding waterbikes in St Lawrence Bay on the River Blackwater on August 25 last year when the accident happened.

Mr Taylor, of Dorset Avenue, Great Baddow, and Mr Bloomfield had decided to head for open water off Bradwell.

Mr Taylor was ahead of Mr Bloomfield and tried to complete a 360 degree turn in front of his friend.

Mr Bloomfield told the court: "I didn't know what to do, so I chucked myself off."

After Mr Bloomfield had jumped clear, the bikes collided. Mr Taylor was found unconscious in the water near them.

He was rescued by the air ambulance and taken to Colchester General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Taylor died from multiple injuries.

Mr Taylor's and Mr Bloomfield's bikes were both found to be in full working order after they were extensively tested.

Essex coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Published Thursday, January 23, 2003

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