A water-skier was killed on his birthday when he collided with a speed boat that was being skippered by his wife.

The un-named 34-year-old took to the water yesterday to mark the occasion. He died after hitting the propeller of the boat which was towing him.

The man, believed to be a car mechanic who was a regular water-skier, lived with his wife in Saltdean. The couple did not have any children.

Solent Coastguard was alerted by a member of the public who dialled 999 from a mobile phone after seeing the collision, which took place one mile south-west of Brighton Marina Village.

Solent Coastguard requested the launch of a lifeboat and Shoreham Coastguard rescue team was sent to the scene. The man was dragged out of the water and taken to Brighton Marina, where ambulance crews were waiting.

He was transferred to Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

A spokeswoman for Brighton Lifeboat said: "A tragic accident occurred just before 5pm in which a man was killed. It is believed the boat involved had family members on board."

Solent coastguard watch manager Tony Wheeler said: "We understand the water skier collided with the stern of the boat he was pulled by.

"We have been informed the casualty was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends at this time."

It is not clear who else was on the boat but there have been no reports of further injuries.

The man's wife, who it is believed agreed to take control of the vessel on her husband's insistence despite being inexperienced, is traumatised and being cared for by her family.

At the time of the accident, winds were north east, three to four, with slight seas and good visibility.

A Sussex police spokesman said: "At about 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday, a coastguard attended a boating incident off the coast of Brighton, which involved a waterskier.

"As a result of the accident, a 34-year-old man lost his life and, at this stage, the police are treating this as a tragic accident."