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As the majority of boat owners have not installed any form of GSM type alarm system that can automatically contact the owner or suitable representative in the event of a problem the boat is normally left to its own devices for months on end. If the boat is on a hard standing it is subject to vandalism and theft and statistics indicate this is on the increase year on year. If the boat is moored up the exposure to problems is even greater. Not only is the boat a potential target for theft and vandalism there is always the added possibility that something associated with being afloat could also go wrong.
Having, over the years rescued a significant number of craft that have either broken or dragged their mooring and saved a few from sinking it is not safe to say “That will not happen to me” It does happen - and worse - and the winter season with it’s dark nights that assist the thief and the severe weather that puts a strain on a boats moorings and it’s material integrity all contributes towards the responsibility of a boat owner.
Not an unfamiliar incident but one that possibly could have been avoided with greater vigilance . The statistics show that events like this , sinkings on, or breaking free from moorings while unattended form a significant proportion of boat insurance claims.
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