The driver of a speedboat that crashed on the Columbia River on Thursday, June 14, is critically injured.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office river patrol units and firefighters responded to a 1:50 p.m. report of a high speed boat that crashed in the South Channel of the Columbia River parallel to the 18500 block of Northeast Marine Drive, said Lt. Mark Matsushima, sheriff's office spokesman.

A preliminary investigation shows that the boat was a racing boat practicing for an upcoming race when it malfunctioned relatively early into its practice run.

The boat flipped over several times, activating its safety system, which ejected the driver via parachute. Two support boats nearby for the practice run immediately recovered the driver, who sustained critical injuries.

The driver, who has not been identified, was transported by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center.

River patrol deputies are investigating and are reconstructing the crash.