Volunteers restore Bebington Sea Cadets’ vandalised safety boat

Sep 24 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Bromborough and Bebington News

A VANDALISED Bebington Sea Cadet safety boat has been restored to its former glory, thanks to the Maritime Volunteer Service.

After the News reported that TS Seahawk’s boat The Viking was destroyed after its propeller was sawn off earlier this year, the MVS stepped in to help.

Led by Phil Wilson, members of the group collected the damaged boat from the cadet centre in Cornwell Close, New Ferry, and took it to their workshop in the Maritime and Engineering College, Birkenhead.

They fitted a replacement propeller, fixed other damage, re-painted the entire boat and returned it back to the cadets, whose ages range from 10 to 18.

Phil said: “After seeing the article in the News, we decided we really wanted to help fix the boat.

“So, working closely with the college, we fully restored it.

“We would like to wish Bebington Sea Cadets all the very best for the future now they have their boat back.”

The cadets, now no longer stranded on shore, have until October 31, the end of the boating season, to enjoy their repaired boat.

Commanding officer Robbie Orr, 37, of New Ferry, said: “The boat was going to be taken off us by our headquarters because it was considered too expensive to repair.

“Phil and his team have made such a huge difference to us.

“We have had to spend the summer focusing on expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme but are pleased that we can now go back out on to the water.

“Being a Sea Cadet gives youngsters a sense of purpose and self-discipline, so having our boat back really has made a massive difference.

“I would like to give my personal thanks and gratitude on behalf of the cadets for what the MVS has done for us.”