Boat destroyed in suspected arson attack

MEMBERS of a Northside sea scouts’ group have been left devastated after one of their key sailing boats was destroyed last week in a suspected arson attack. 

The BP18 ‘Sandy Cove’, which was built in the 1970s, was reduced to ash when it was burnt out beside the dinghy pen of Malahide Yacht Club on the Broadmeadow Estuary last Wednesday, January 11.

The boat was one of two BP18 craft sailed by the group and is the standard sea scout boat of Scouting Ireland.

She was the 12th BP18 built and is one of a fleet of about 30 vessels operated by sea scouts around the country.

The boat was beside a 40-foot container which was used as a temporary base for boating activities last summer, while the Scout Den on St James’s Terrace was being refurbished. 

Luckily the container had been emptied of its equipment back to the scout den before Christmas or the loss could have been much worse.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished by Dublin Fire Brigade. 

Jordan Killen, a member of Malahide Sea Scouts, told Northside People: “We are devastated by the loss of one of our longest serving boats which has introduced hundreds of young people to sailing and instilled a spirit of adventure to all who sailed on her. Our scouts will be very sad to see her go.

“The incident happened around 4pm. By the time the fire brigade arrived it was too late as it was completely destroyed and reduced to ash.

“The boat was made of fibre glass and to set fire to it, they must have had to use petrol.”

Mr Killen said the act of vandalism has reduced the ability of Malahide Sea Scouts to take part in nautical training.

“We have about 600 members at the moment so every boat counts,” he added.

Group leader of Malahide Sea Scouts, Colin Lynch said: “The group is devastated by the loss of ‘Sandy Cove’. Our volunteer leaders work very hard to provide this great equipment and experiences to all our young people.

“We hope none of our friends and supporters encounter these unscrupulous individuals who would attack their local scout group.”

The boat is a total loss and cannot be repaired. According to the group, it will probably cost in the region of €8,000 to €10,000 to replace her for the next sailing season.

Members and former members of the group were quick to take to social media to condemn the act but also to recall some of the great memories the boat brought back.

Leader Dave Clarke posted: “I’ve coxed under 12 years rowing crews to victory in this boat, rowed down the barrow in her on a week-long moving summer camp, sailed in her on multiple lakes around Ireland. A sad end to a great career.”

Group training officer Stephen O’Reilly posted: “Still have my 1st place trophy from rowing BP18 in annual Sea Scout rowing regatta when I was under 12 years. One of the first awards I ever got in scouting. A sad day.”

Anyone who may have seen anything unusual around Malahide Yacht Club at Broadmeadow Estuary is asked to contact the gardaí at Malahide on 01-6664600.