A coroner has called for a safety review following the deaths of Sky executive and his eight-year-old daughter in a speedboat tragedy last year.

Nick Milligan, 51, and Emily, of Routh Road, Wandsworth, lost their lives in the accident on the Camel estuary at Padstow, Cornwall, on May 5 last year.

Truro Coroner’s Court heard from Mr Milligan’s wife, Victoria, 40, who said she made a "big mistake" in not using the boat’s safety device.

The widow told the court she discovered her husband was dead when she heard her daughter screaming "Daddy’s dead, Daddy’s dead". She was later told Emily had also lost her life.

The couple and their four children were enjoying a holiday at their second home when they were thrown from the boat.

The vessel became out of control and started circling at high speed before hitting the family. Neither of the parents were attached to the boat’s safety cord, which is designed to cut the power when somebody is thrown from the controls.

Wandsworth Times:

Mr Milligan and Emily sustained fatal injuries while Mrs Milligan lost the lower part of her left leg.

Amber, 13, suffered a cut hand, Olivia, 12, received a bump to the head and six-year-old Kit was left with a seriously injured leg.

Cornwall Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon said she would ask for a review of the level of training required for high-powered speedboats and whether it should be compulsory.

Mr Milligan's brother, Mark, raised concerns about boats getting more powerful and safety training in the UK being voluntary, not compulsory.

Dr Carlyon said she would be writing to the Royal Yachting Association to ask them to consider whether it is appropriate to review their leisure boat advice.

After a two-day inquest the jury concluded on Tuesday, November 11, that both father and daughter died as a result of an accident.