PHOTO GALLERY: A motor cruiser that washed ashore and became wrecked on Sandown Beach last week has finally been removed.
As first reported by Island Echo, the ‘Barracuda III’ left Hayling Island last Wednesday before motoring towards Sandown Bay. Although the crew dropped anchor, the anchor dragged and the boat run hard aground during the early hours of Thursday.
Unfortunately, the vessel’s structure deteriorated and the cruiser sunk with the incoming tide.
Members of the public were advised to stay away from the vessel when it began leaking oil and diesel onto the popular beach. Thankfully the situation was contained, mainly thanks to a duvet.
Sandown Esplanade was closed off early this morning (Monday) to allow the lifting operation – involving Island Cranes and Kingswell Haulage – to take place.
By 10:00 the 36ft vessel had been lifted off the sand and onto a low loader, without incident.
The fragile state of the hull was demonstrated when she was placed onto the carrier; a crack appeared and water gushed out of the damaged vessel and onto the carriageway.
It is understood the owner has said he wants nothing more to do with the boat, but that instruction hasn’t been given in writing. The vessel is to be taken to a yard near Rookley.
