Men in fracas at Poole Quay over impounded vessel (From Bournemouth Echo)

Men in fracas at Poole Quay over impounded vessel

8:30am Wednesday 25th August 2010 in

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A MARINA manager was injured and thrown into the water at Poole Quay as he tried to foil a raid on an impounded boat.

A speedboat with five people aboard entered the quay’s boat haven at around 4.15pm on Monday afternoon. The men were armed with bolt croppers in what seems like attempt to release the seized vessel.

In his attempts to stop the men’s mission, marina manager John Binder became involved in an altercation with one of the raiders and was pushed into the water, sustaining leg injuries.

The raiders then fled without liberating the impounded vessel.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “An altercation occurred between two men on an open-topped speedboat. One of the men fell into the water.”

Marine police attended the incident but no arrests were made.

Paramedics treated Mr Binder for his injuries at the scene.

The impounded boat is being held due to non-payment of charges.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said Mr Binder had acted bravely in his attempts to stop the theft.

He added: “It is quite common for marinas to impound boats whose owners have not paid their charges. Fortunately we have very few problems of this nature, so this was a surprise to us.”

Mr Stewart stressed it was illegal for anyone to trespass in the boat haven.

Dozens of holidaymakers on the quayside witnessed the incident.

Police have launched an investigation and are calling on witnesses to come forward.

Contact Dorset Police on 01202 222222.