Looters raided storm-damaged boats, says distraught owner
A HEARTBROKEN boat owner claims looters are targeting vessels which were damaged or destroyed when Storm Emma hammered Holyhead marina.
Around 85 boats were sunk or wrecked when winds of more than 70mph tore through the marina last Friday, leaving a trail of devastation.
Now North Wales Police are investigating a report that equipment was stolen by looters from one of the stricken vessels, prompting extra patrols to deter any criminal activity.
Chief Inspector Mark Armstrong added: “We have had a patrol plan in operation since the incident. The police focus has been to deter any criminal activity. If anyone is aware of items being stolen please call police on 101 to report the incidents.
“We have been working as part of the Tasking and Co-ordinating group to support the agencies with whom primacy for this incident lies, and will continue to offer appropriate support as necessary throughout the coming weeks.”
The Smith family, who run Anglesey Charter Fishing in Holyhead, lost two boats in the storm – Bad Boyz 2, which sank, and Bad Boyz 3, which was left smashed on rocks.
Sara Smith, a maritime engineer, said: “We’re heartbroken. People making profit from other people’s losses. All of the boats had been looted. We sat on the marina watching two guys looking into our boats. My brother, Aaron, had electrics, cables and navigation equipment on the boats. They’ve probably been sold on. They just walked straight in.”
Gethyn Owen, who lost his My Way sea fishing boat in the storm, said: “You wouldn’t imagine the winds coming from the east, with a 20ft swell. It was devastation. My potential to earn anything is gone at the moment. It’s been taken away from us.”