A sailor was left fuming after thieves stole the inflatable dinghy he had used to get from his boat to shore.

The man, believed to have sailed down the Thames Estuary from London, had anchored his boat about 100ft away from the Lobster Smack pub, on Canvey seafront.

Sgt Kevin Diable-White, said: "The man used a white 10ft inflatable dinghy which had a Yamaha outboard attached to get from his boat to the shoreline.

"He went for a stroll around the vicinity and upon his return he discovered thieves had stolen the dinghy."

Thankfully after reporting the theft to the police the man was able to catch a lift with a passing boat which took him back to his vessel.

Anyone who was in the area when the theft occurred on Sunday at 4pm should contact Canvey police on 01268 511212.

Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003

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