Family 'shattered' by theft from Keyhaven of boat specially adapted for disabled daughter

A DEVASTATED family said they are “totally heartbroken” by the theft from Keyhaven of a specially adapted boat used to take their disabled daughter out on the Solent.

The 23ft Boston Whaler had been worked on for years by the woman’s father before it was snatched by thieves on 10th January.

Relatives were too upset to be identified fully but have spoken out to the A&T in the hope that someone might be able to help police track down the craft, dubbed Lass.

The sister of the disabled woman Stacey, who is in her 30s, told how their dad, Steve, had worked on the craft.

The sister said: “It has been a total labour of love for my dad. He has literally spent hours, weeks, years on it.

“He is just completely devastated by this and we are all totally heartbroken.

“He has spent so much care and time on what started as a lockdown project and had got it absolutely perfect.

“Last year he finally finished it, and Stacey absolutely loved it. She was in her element. She loved going fast in it and feeling the wind in her hair.

“We were so looking forward to taking her out in it this year but now thieves have ruined all our plans.”

The boat was taken from its mooring at the fisherman’s wall in Keyhaven on 10th January between 9am and 11.30am.

The boat has twin Yamaha 115bph outboard motors. The family have posted about the theft on social media and have also put up posters in the local area.

The sister added: “We are asking people to check doorbell video footage, also dashcams and CCTV.

“We are just praying that the boat has been caught somewhere by someone being taken away.

“My dad has been shattered by this. He had adapted the boat so Stacey could get on and off it easily.

“He cannot face even going down to the sea at the moment as he is so upset by what has happened.

“There is no chance of him ever being able to adapt another boat for Stacey now, which is just tragic.”

Lass was checked on daily, and the theft is now being investigated by the Hampshire police marine support unit.

A police spokesperson said: “We have conducted a number of enquiries and are now asking for any information that might assist with our investigation.

“Perhaps you’ve seen a boat matching this description since it was stolen. Maybe you have CCTV footage from the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to ring 101, quoting reference 44230013649.

Stacey’s sister said: “It would be so wonderful for us to have the boat back so my dad can take Stacey out on the sea just like he planned.

“We had so many trips planned for her for the summer. We would give anything to still go on those.”