A TEENAGER who was critically injured when a £1million speed boat flipped over in Southampton Water remains in hospital this morning.

Simon Dredge sustained a life-threatening head injury when the Vector powerboat he was riding in struck a buoy and crashed on a scheduled test run near Hamble Point Marina.

The 17-year-old from Warsash is being treated for his injuries in Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London after being transferred from Southampton General Hospital.

Last night a spokeswoman for Vector World, which owns the 40ft-long powerboat, said the youngster was in “a stable and improving condition” five days after the incident.

He is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days at least.

“It will probably take a while. I have no idea about timeframes,” the spokesman added.

The incident triggered a huge rescue operation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and emergency services in front of horrified onlookers.

Moments after the last week’s crash Simon’s powerboat champion father Peter Dredge returned to the stricken vessel to pull him to safety ahead of coastguards, lifeboats and emergency services.

Simon Wood-Power, from Christchurch, and Lee Hurst, an engineer from Ross Marine, were also on board when the boat crashed shortly after 8am last Wednesday [May 13]. Mr Wood-Power, from Christchurch, was treated at the Southampton hospital.

Simon, a Barton Peveril College student, has recently completed a two year Extended Diploma in Sport programme.

Last week college principal Jonathan Prest said the school community was coming to terms with what had happened.

He said: “His teachers, fellow students and the whole college community are shocked by the news of this tragic accident.

“Our thoughts are very much with Simon and his family and we wish him a swift and full recovery.”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch confirmed last week than an investigation into the crash had been launched with Hampshire Marine Police Unit providing support.

The Vector V40R prototype is new to the company’s range where similar vessels are said to reach speeds up to 138mph.

Peter is founder and technical director of Vector World and has won two World and three European Championships.

He has also broken 21 World Speed and Endurance Records, 15 of which still stand today.

Jennifer Jelf, power boat manager of the Royal Yachting Association, a position Peter Dredge also held for 12 years and where Mr Wood-Power served as a committee chairman, said: “Both men are highly regarded within the powerboat racing community and both are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this type of craft.

“We would like to convey our thoughts and best wishes to those involved, especially those still receiving medical care, and their families.”

The Vector spokesman added that Peter was a “highly experienced powerboat professional”.