Thieves sink 1930s yacht sparking river pollution incident

A boat sank after thieves broke into it to steal its bell, causing a pollution incident on a Highland river.

The 1930s built motor yacht, MY Anneke, sank in Loch Dochfour, near Loch Ness, south of Inverness, after it was broken into some time between 3 and 5 May.

Its polished brass bell embossed with the yacht's name was stolen along with some other items.

Police said the "shipbreaking" incident resulted in the boat to sink, and some of its fuel leaked into the River Ness.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said measures were taken to deal with the pollution.

Police Scotland has appealed for witnesses.

PC Ben Staal said: "The bell which was stolen was original to the vessel and as such is irreplaceable.

"The sinking has also caused quite a fuel spill which colleagues at Sepa are dealing with.

"There will also be a considerably costly and difficult operation required to safely salvage the vessel for repairs."

Sepa said the fuel had resulted in an oily-like sheen on the surfaces of the loch and river.

A spokesperson said: "Due to the amount and movement of the water, this should not cause significant impacts to the receiving water environment."

Ness District Salmon Fishery Board praised the boat's owner for taking "swift action" to deal with diesel.

A spokesperson said: "This appears to have been a close escape.

"It could have been a lot worse, given the proximity to the river and that this is the time of the year when salmon smolts pass downstream on their migration to the sea."