Police warning to Harvester thieves

Thieves have taken a steering compass from the wreck of the Solway Harvester.

It happened sometime between last Wednesday and yesterday.

Police are treating the matter seriously, particularly as the boat is still the subject of an inquest and under the care of the coroner.

The brass compass is 12 inches in diameter and bears the maker's mark, 'John Lilley and Gillie Ltd'.

The wreck of the scallop dredger, which sank in 2000 with the loss of her seven crewmen, was raised and brought to the Island. Moored in Douglas harbour, she has been a sad reminder of the tragedy ever since.

Police say offences committed on the vessel are a serious matter and will be thoroughly investigated. They are warning anyone convicted can expect to be dealt with severely by the courts.

The inquest into the crewmen's deaths is still active, with the coroner currently considering evidence given by vessel owner Richard Gidney to a Sherriff's Court in Scotland.

The coroner is due to issue a report in the autumn.

(Picture: The Solway Harvester berthed in Douglas, earlier this year).