By Campaign to save Doncaster boat after arson attack
A fundraising campaign has been launched to pay for the restoration of a popular Doncaster boat which was badly damaged in a suspected arson attack last week.
South Yorkshire Police are also appealing for information regarding the crime.
Speaking last week, PC Josh Smith, investigating officer said:
“The Wyre Lady boat is an impressive vessel with incredible history.
“She was built in 1938 as a railway passenger ferry.
“In 1939 the then named ‘Ashton’ was requisitioned by the Royal Navy on the outbreak of the second world war.
“In 1978, she was brought to Doncaster where she continued to trade having carried near on 2 million passengers over the course of her life.
“We are disappointed that someone would want to cause such damage.
“We are urging anyone with information that could help our investigation to come forward.
“If you have any information that can help with our enquiries please call 101 quoting incident number 745 of 25 June 2020.”
The Wyre Lady, which served in World War Two, was badly damaged after fire ripped through the vessel last week.
Now, a GoFundMe campaign to save the boat.
The hope is to raise £5,000 for the repairs.
The vessel is now regularly used as a celebration boat and is stationed at Sprotbrough.
Organiser James Ashcroft said:
“Someone has unfortunately, set the boat on fire using an aggressive accelerant and caused huge amounts of damage.
“Tom, the captain of the boat is devastated. 16 years of his blood, sweat and tears have been put in to the old girl.
“He is distraught that such a huge piece of history that has seen so many lovely customers enjoy the boat may no longer happen.”
Contact Gi Doncaster
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
