Monty Belle dies in freak accident at Mainstay Regatta

Aug 13, 2012 Sports

An atmosphere of gloom overcame the start of yesterday’s Lake Mainstay Regatta in the first event, the 90hp category over 4 laps, after a freak accident on the second turn of the race resulted in the eventual death of popular speed boat racing champion Monty Belle.

Monty Belle

The race itself started with Monty Belle piloting the” Iron Charlie” rushing to the lead, but was soon overtaken by the” Miracle” being piloted by Mark Gonsalves just after the completion of the first lap. However “Iron Charlie” then spun as it made the second turn, west of the Grand Stand, into the path of the oncoming boat, 3:16 being piloted by Dave Young.
3:16 then careened into “Iron Charlie”, which soared about 5 feet into the air after the impact then slammed back into the water.
The collision resulted in Belle sustaining deep cuts to the bottom of his right thigh, left hand and torso.
The race was stopped as a bloodied and motionless Belle lay slumped in his damaged vessel. Other competitors and personnel rushed to the scene and towed the damaged boat with the unconscious and bloodied Belle to shore where he was removed and rushed to the Anna Regina Public Hospital, Essequibo Coast.
At the hospital Belle was stabilized but very critical and efforts were made to have him flown to the city. The Guyana Defence Force helicopter subsequently transported the gravely injured Belle to the GPHC where it is reported he eventually succumbed.
Belle, who hails from a family who has a rich history and performance record to show in speed boat racing at Bartica, was the reigning champion of the Bartica Regatta in the 90hp category.
Kaieteur Sport joins the Bartica community and boat racing fraternity in extending condolences to the Belle family. (Edward A. Persaud)