Theft of vessel from Whitehead boat park under investigation

The ‘Helona’, a 15ft open fibre glass boat with a dark blue cabin at the front, went missing sometime between Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23.

Carrickfergus man Desmond Carson, who owns the Helona, said it was his understanding the boat was one of three which was taken out onto the water on the Saturday by “a number of youths” who had access to the boat park. The boats were then returned to the compound.
A bystander, he added, is believed to captured footage of this on a camera phone and police were informed of the incident.

Police confirmed they received a report of the theft of a boat from Whitehead boat park.

Sgt McIlroy. of the PSNI, said: “We received a call about the possible theft of a boat on Saturday afternoon (22 August). The boat had been taken out by a number of people who had access to a key.

“The boat was later returned by these people and enquiries were made to establish their identities.

“We received a second call, on Monday 24 August, to say that the boat was missing. We are investigating that report of theft at this time and would ask for assistance from anyone with information on the matter.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, which is responsible for the boat park, said: “We can confirm the theft of a boat and trailer from Whitehead boat yard on Sunday past, (23rd).

“The PSNI has been informed and we are co-operating in their investigation.”

Appealing for anyone who can help with the return of the Helona, estimated to be worth around £1500, Mr Carson said a number of people must have been involved in the incident.

He said it appears to have been put on a different trailer to his own and it would have required several participants to be able to do this.

“My boat trailer has no wheels as a security measure. They lifted the boat off the trailer onto another trailer.”

He added that there was no engine on board as he had removed it and as well as bearing the name ‘Helona’, the boat is an O’Sullivan build from Tralee, County Kerry.

Anyone who can help police with their investigations is asked to contact them by telephoning the non-emergency number 101.