A SHALDON rescue boat used for sailing club races has been slashed to ribbons on its deep-water mooring. Vandals made a late night effort to row out to the mooring on Saturday. They ripped through the inflatable body with what is thought to be a Stanley knife and tried to cut it free from its moorings. The river ferryman discovered the boat in its sorry state. They brought it to shore where the damage was examined by club secretary Roy Lightfoot. Mr Lightfoot said: 'It is an essential part of the gear for us. We do have another rescue boat but we need two when there are sea races. 'It has been slashed all over so this was no accident. It's not repairable and a new one would cost about £8,000.' 'It is a worry. We thought it would be quite safe out there, and what does this mean for people who keep inflatables on their moorings, some of which cost thousands and thousands of pounds,' said Mr Lightfoot. A second-hand vessel is likely to cost about £2,500, an amount that is too much for the club to find. The Avon Seariser Rib inflatable was due to be used on September 9 and 10 for sea races. Anyone with information should contact police on 08452 777444.
