Hydroplane racer killed in crash on St. Lawrence River

A Quebec hydroplane racer has died in a crash on the St. Lawrence River.

Mathieu Daoust of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que., was killed Sunday during a qualifying race at the 1000Islands Regatta in Brockville, Ont., according to a statement from the Hydroplane Racing League.

"The HRL offers its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the driver, to whom we will continue to provide support," the statement reads.

"It is a great loss for the entire hydroplane family."

Emergency crews were called to the scene of the crash at about 1 p.m.

Mark Noonan, deputy chief for the Brockville Police Service, told Radio-Canada there were no other injuries and the crash appeared to be an accident.

Daoust, 31, was competing in the regatta's Grand Prix class, which can see hydroplanes hit speeds of 225 km/h.

Brockville is approximately 110 kilometres south of Ottawa.