MARINE & GENERAL has been forced to review its security procedures after a vessel in its boatyard was destroyed in a suspected arson attack at the weekend. Tikitiboo, a 25ft glass fibre cabin cruiser, was undergoing long-term restoration in the yard at St Sampson’s Harbour.

The company has always left the gate to its yard open to allow islanders access to their boats to work on them in the evenings, but the incident on Saturday night has forced a rethink.

‘It’s very sad that people seek to do that for their enjoyment – it’s a sad reflection on society,’ said managing director David Norman.

Another boat was set on fire in the area about two-and-a-half years ago, but such events have been a rarity.

‘We are reviewing security procedures and will probably lock the gate out of hours, which is a shame because traditionally in Guernsey you have trusted people,’ said Mr Norman.

‘It’s going to make life more difficult for people who want to work on their boat.’

M&G staff were called in on Saturday night but, when they arrived, Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service staff and police were already on the scene.

‘The boat had no engines or batteries in it so there is no way it could have caught fire. It’s very suspicious,’ said Mr Norman.

The blaze was even visible from Herm.

‘It’s a sad state of affairs when a company cannot do its best for the local community by giving people unrestricted access.

‘It’s sad that people get their kicks in that manner,’ said harbour master Captain Peter Gill.

CCTV is being installed around the marina at St Sampson’s.

The prime movers for surveillance coverage in and around the harbour are the police and Home Department, said Capt. Gill.

‘We are still sorting out the details with the Environment Department,’ he said.

‘The coverage that will be installed would be for that area ‘at the boatyard’ at both ends.

‘When people know CCTV is in operation, they will think twice.’

Police investigations into the incident are continuing and they are appealing for information.