Fundraising campaign launched to repair historic sailing boat destroyed by fire

The blaze occurred on February 19, leaving the boat unsalvageable.

To make matters worse, a group of volunteers, led by Mr Davies, had been restoring the boat for the past two years, with its relaunch only two weeks away.

The boat, a 1913 Lowestoft fishing trawler, was due to be relaunched in March, meaning its restoration was almost finished.

Restoration efforts began on the boat after its previous owner, Paul Welch, tragically died.

Mr Davies’ tools and equipment were also lost in the fire, which were essential for his profession as a craftsman.

The fundraising drive is aiming to raise money for replacement tools for Mr Davies. It has already raised over £13,500 of its £18,000 target.

No one was seriously injured in the fire, but South Western Ambulance Service said one person was taken to hospital.

An investigation into the circumstances of the fire is ongoing, with Sailors Creek Community Interest Company (CIC) fully cooperating with the authorities.

Sailors Creek CIC says its aims are to support the regeneration of the Creek and adjacent fields, in partnership with local landowners and the river community.

They said in a statement: “We are devastated to confirm that Keewaydin, the 1913 Lowestoft wooden trawler that has been under restoration at Sailors Creek, was destroyed by fire today.

"Emergency services attended promptly, and we are profoundly grateful for their swift response. We can confirm that no one was seriously injured.

“Keewaydin has been at the heart of an extensive two-year restoration led by master shipwright Spike Davies, supported by an extraordinary community of volunteers, donors and well-wishers.

“With her launch just two weeks away, this loss is deeply felt by everyone involved and by the many people who have followed her journey.

“The fire is understood to have been an accident. The circumstances are being reviewed, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. We will not be making further comment until more information is available.

“We respectfully ask members of the public not to visit the site. The area is unsafe and access is restricted while assessments are carried out. Your cooperation will help ensure the safety of everyone and allow necessary work to take place.

On the GoFundMe page, it writes: “Spike was the centre of a dedicated group of volunteers, shipwrights, and willing individuals who have their time freely to attempt to save this piece of maritime history.

“There has been an overwhelming outpouring of sadness for what has happened and we dearly wish to turn this heartbreaking event into a positive moment that reflects the power of community spirit and generosity.”

Sailors Creek is an estuary inlet, which has been used to beach and berth boats until, it is estimated, the 16th century.

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