A LIFEBOAT which was rendered useless following an attack by vandals will be back in service this weekend after members of the public raised almost £900 to help pay for repairs.
The boat belonging to Lagan Search and Rescue was targeted as it sat at a secure mooring at Belfast Marina some time between January 3 and January 6.
Those responsible stole a specific part of the boat related to the steering and by forcibly removing it, caused further damage.
Lagan Search and Rescue had initially said repairs would cost around £500 however when the damage was further surveyed, the bill was put at between £1,000 and £1,100.
However, after news of the vandalism spread, members of the public soon responded by donating funds to help with repairs, including one individual who donated £500 to the cause. So far, around £870 has been raised with donations still welcome.
Phil Batt, Development Officer for Lagan Search and Rescue, said it was hoped the boat would be back in service this weekend.
"At the end of the day, this is a service we provide free of cost but we couldn't provide it without the support and generosity of members of the public," he said.
"The response has been fantastic and we just look forward to getting the service up and running again".
Meanwhile, Justice Minister David Ford, who visited Lagan Search and Rescue yesterday, also praised the public's fundraising efforts.
"This was a destructive act which endangered lives. But I have been very heartened by the overwhelming public response to Lagan Search and Rescue's innovative idea to fund the repairs".
