Brit millionaire banker’s speedboat examined by cops probing death of mum-of-four killed by propeller in Corfu

A BRIT millionaire banker and his children had their speedboat examined by police investigating the death of a swimmer in Corfu.

Claire Glatman, 60, also a British millionaire, was struck by a propeller while swimming off Avlaki Beach and suffered catastrophic injuries.

The mum-of-four had been 300 yards from shore with a pal who witnessed the accident on Monday morning.

She was hauled from the water but died due to blood loss from injuries to her wrist, arm, chest, pelvis and leg.

The boat was believed to have been towing a water-skier when it hit Claire before racing off.

It was later found abandoned at a small marina 17 miles away.

SPEEDBOAT HORROR

Investigators later questioned wealthy hedge fund manager Rob Lucas, 58, with his son, 18, and daughter, 22, a qualified boat driver.

The family is believed to own a luxury home on the island.

Their distinctive rib-style speedboat was being examined along with the boat of a local, who initially claimed to have tried to rescue Claire.

Police have said they are still open-minded about other boats being involved and need to speak with all vessel owners who were in the area.

However, sources suggested that police had found that the Lucas family, who have a £5million mansion in Hertfordshire, and their craft were in another area at the time and were not involved in the accident in any way.

It was also suggested that the family, who had assisted police as potential witnesses, were no longer part of the investigation.

Islanders have said it  was “an accident waiting to happen” with the water becoming increasingly packed with jet skis and speedboats.

Experienced swimmer Claire, from Bedale, North Yorks, was well known among the expat community in Corfu, where her family owned a villa.

She was on holiday with her  property-fund head husband Mark, 63.

At least one of their two sons and two daughters was away with the parents. 

Claire, from Bedale, North Yorkshire, was found unconscious and bleeding out with serious injuries to her legs and arms.

Corfu coronor Ioannis Aivatidis confirmed today she had died from loss of blood and wounds sustained “both internally and externally”.

Claire, whose husband is a millionaire, reportedly suffered a severed artery in her leg after being struck by the propeller.

‘MUCH LOVED’

Pals described her as a “lovely woman” who was “much loved” among the local expat community in Corfu.

State-run TV described the community as being “totally stunned” by her death.

Bibi Tyszkiewicz wrote on Facebook: “She was an absolutely lovely woman. Very much loved on this island.

“Thoughts to the family. This is a huge tragedy.”

Julie Evans added: “I’m so, so sorry, my thoughts are with her family, she was a very good and genuinely nice person. God bless, RiP.”

Another friend told the Telegraph Claire was an experienced swimmer and had a twin sister.

She and her husband reportedly fell in love with the area during a holiday and purchased their villa seven years ago.

She was a trustee of the Hospital Of St Michael The Archangel in Bedale, it has been reported.

Locals claimed that Ms Glatman a regular swimmer at the beauty spot and was well known among expat community in Corfu.

She regularly spent several months of the year at a family-owned villa, reports the Telegraph.

BEACH HORROR

Local media reports the boat was dragging a water skier when it struck Claire at around 10am on Monday.

It is reported the boat passed over her at a high speed before changing direction and heading out into open sea.

Another speedboat from a local rental company reportedly hurried to help Claire.

The coastguard then arrived on the scene and she was taken by boat to the port Imerolia before being taken by road ambulance to Corfu Hospital.

Coroner Ioannis Aivatidis said Ms Glatman suffered multiple injuries to her left wrist, arm, chest, pelvis and upper right leg.

He said her wounds were so severe that no attempt to resuscitate her would have worked had someone managed to get her out of the water. 

A family lawyer was forced to recognise her body as her her husband was said to be too shocked to do so.

Ms Glatman is believed to have been swimming with a friend at the time, who escaped the impact.

A coastguard official said: “She lost so much blood from wounds sustained as a result of the propeller hitting her.

“There were wounds to her legs, arms and body.”

Greece currently has a travel corridor with the UK that allows tourists to go abroad without having to quarantine when they return to Britain.