Andrew Carey
THE theft of an emergency service response jet ski from its city based waterside pontoon has been described as a “new low” in criminal activity.
Sometime after 3am in the early hours of Friday morning, the response craft owned by volunteer group Limerick Marine Search and Rescue was taken from its pontoon at Poorman’s Kilkee under Sarsfield Bridge in the city.
The craft, which is used by the volunteer group when they respond to emergency river call-outs along the Shannon was later found this Friday morning on rocks near the Mill Road in Corbally.
Limerick Marine Search and Rescue PRO Peter Hogan said that the theft is “nothing short of a disgrace. We have the use of this specialist equipment for the people of Limerick who need us and the other emergency services at the time of their most need. The theft of this jet ski is a new low and we are shocked by this”.
The jet ski, which was recovered this morning by LMSR members who waded out to the shallow waters, has been extensively damaged as a result of the theft and misuse, according to Mr Hogan who said that extensive work will now be required to repair the craft.
It is estimated that there is in the region of several hundreds of euro worth of damage caused to the craft which originally cost €10,000.
“The underside is damaged as is the ignition which now means that the craft is temporarily out of commission.”
Gardai in Henry Street are investigating the matter and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 061 212400.
Picture by Pat Lysaght
