IRVINE Sea Cadets have praised the community for their support after finding a vital boat engine stolen by thieves last week.
Thieves targeted the group's safety boat between Thursday, May 21 and Saturday, May 23 as it was secured at the Scottish Maritime Museum pontoons at Irvine Harbour.
The boat was later found abandoned and damaged up river, with the thieves stealing the outboard engine before fleeing.
Following several days of searching, the engine has now been found and returned to the Sea Cadets thanks to the help of the community.
This included the help of Ayrshire Drone Dog Rescue, who went "above and beyond" to locate and recover the engine.
A Sea Cadets spokesperson said: "Using their specialist equipment, experience, and sheer determination, they helped locate an engine that had been deliberately hidden and earmarked for later retrieval.
"Without their support, it is highly unlikely the engine would ever have been found.
Not only did Gabe and Stuart help locate the engine, but the actual retrieval of such a bulky and extremely heavy engine from that area simply would not have happened without them.
"Their willingness to keep going, assist the volunteers on the ground, and help see the recovery through from start to finish was nothing short of incredible."
The Sea Cadets also praised the Scottish Maritime Museum and harbour management for their support during the ordeal.
They added: "What makes this even more remarkable is that all of this unfolded while the majority of the Irvine Sea Cadet unit, staff, and volunteers were already away assisting with the running of the Edinburgh Marathon.
"Without the magnificent support of the local community, additional volunteers, and everyone who stepped in to help, this simply would not have had the positive outcome it has had.
"It was clear considerable effort had been taken to conceal the engine, with every indication that plans were in place for it to be collected at a later stage. Thankfully, those plans were spoiled.
"What the thieves clearly underestimated was the determination of the volunteers and supporters who fully understand the value this asset holds for the unit and the opportunities it provides to local young people.
W"hile the engine has thankfully been recovered, assessments are still ongoing to determine the extent of the damage caused.
"At this stage, it may still result in either a substantial repair bill or the need for a completely new engine before the cadets can safely return to full boating activities.
"We would also continue to urge anyone with any information — no matter how small it may seem — regarding the individuals responsible for taking the safety boat and engine to please come forward.
"Likewise, if anyone involved wishes to now do the right thing, any information provided will be treated in confidence.
"To everyone who shared posts, kept an eye out, offered support, and helped spread the word, everyone at Irvine Sea Cadets sends a huge thank you.
"The community support shown over the last few days has been nothing short of incredible.
"Once again, thank you to everyone involved. This recovery truly showed what can happen when a community pulls together."
Share