Just after 8am this morning UK Coastguard received multiple 999 calls from members of the public reporting that a speedboat had crashed into a cardinal marker and capsized, just outside the Hamble River

The Coastguard requested the Search and Rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent to the scene, which was close to the Warsash Maritime Academy.

Both RNLI lifeboats from Calshot also attended.

The Vector Martini speedboat had four people on board. Three men – two in their 50s and another in their 20s – have been injured and another in his teens is said to be in a ‘critical condition.’

They were transferred to the shore by lifeboat and taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance.

James Way, maritime operations controller for the Coastguard said: ‘Our rescue assets were on scene quickly. All four people were transferred by lifeboat to the shore, they are all being taken to Southampton General hospital by road ambulance.

‘The police and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed.’

A police spokesman said: ‘Hampshire Police Marine Unit are working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) following an incident in Southampton waters this morning (May 13, 2015) at around 8.20am.

‘A high powered speed boat appears to have lost control and collided with Hamble Point cardinal mark at the entrance to the Hamble River in Southampton Water.

‘Four people have been taken to Southampton General Hospital, one with serious injuries.’