Shark speedboat broken in engine theft

A boat hand-crafted to look like a great white shark has been vandalised just five days after its maiden voyage.

Fin Bowron, from Boulmer, had attached a fibreglass shark head and fins to a 1970s jet boat frame and installed an engine.

He first envisioned his aquatic dream 15 years ago and finally showcased his working, speeding contraption to the BBC on 2 August.

“I went out on it twice after filming, right into Amble, and it ran beautifully. I’m looking forward to next trip out and, whoa, it’s gone already,” he said.

Northumbria Police confirmed it was investigating.

Mr Bowron said "lowlife scum" had torn pieces away from the boat and taken the engine, hydraulic cabling and all the propulsion and power systems.

He estimated he had lost approximately £3,000 of equipment.

"Rural crime is rife," he said.

"Let your guard down a minute and it’s gone."

The shark boat's head and fins are intact, apart from some chipped teeth and the broken engine compartment.

Mr Bowron said he had other options for propelling the craft on the water, though at a slower speed.

"I’m devastated that the engine is gone, but I had already built in a heavy duty rowing system," he said.

"Hopefully I can do a sponsored row for charity from Amble up to Berwick sometime next year."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 08:30 BST on Wednesday, August 7, we were alerted to a theft that had taken place overnight in the Seaton Point area of Boulmer.

"Inquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact us by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on our website or by completing a crime update form."

Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].