Thames coastguard officers are desperately seeking a Basildon man who plans to take his grandchildren out in a new speedboat - unaware that it could sink within ten minutes.

The eight-seater craft was accidentally sold without drainage plugs, meaning water will start to pour in when it is launched.

It is feared the boat buyer, who said he came from the Basildon area, has no expert knowledge of boats and will use it without the vital bath plug-sized devices.

Lynette Gilbert of Beverley Avenue, Canvey, sold the boat for £1,700 cash on Monday.

She said today: "I have got visions of this boat going into the estuary and going down 15 minutes later."

The man was in his early 50s, had grey hair, was of stocky build and was about 5ft 6ins. He was wearing jogging bottoms, trainers and a T-shirt.

Mrs Gilbert can be contacted on 01268 691855.

Published Wednesday, March 13, 2002