Why boat theft isn’t rare – and what owners can do

The hidden reality of boat theft in the UK

Many boat owners still believe their vessel is safe once moored on the water – but our founder, Tony Cantrill, is living proof that this isn’t true.

SeaSight was born after Tony’s boat vanished without a trace from its mooring in the South West – a theft that involved local police, harbour authorities, Project Kraken and even Interpol, yet led to no recovery of the vessel.

Tony’s story is a powerful example that shatters the response he repeatedly heard during his search – “boats don’t get stolen off the water” – a common myth that circulates boat owners and the marine community. But Tony’s experience exposed the uncomfortable truth that boat theft in the UK is far from rare, and a lack of awareness is allowing it to fly under the radar.

Why boat theft is more common than you think

Unlike car theft, marine theft often goes under-reported, making it appear far less common than it really is. Incidents of boat theft hardly ever make national headlines; this paired with patchy national reporting means the data on tracking reports of stolen boats or engines is proven to be sparse and insufficient. Unless you’re part of the marine community, you simply don’t tend to hear about instances like these.

However, the facts, figures and real-life stories speak for themselves. Boat theft is on the rise across the UK:

• South West: A series of thefts from marine suppliers across Devon and Cornwall saw more than £150,000 worth of marine equipment stolen. A separate burglary in St Austell saw multiple outboard engines worth several thousand pounds stolen in one night.

• South and East: From the Solent to the Thames Estuary and Norfolk Broads, the dense clusters of marinas and long coastlines make for prime opportunities for organised theft.

• Wales: In a region rich with coastal marinas and inland harbours – from Anglesey and Conwy’s sailing hubs to the Pembrokeshire coasts – Wales hosts a vibrant leisure boating community. North Wales Police confirmed a series of high-value incidents in July 2024 at Pwllheli Marina, prompting warnings and advising owners to enhance the security of engines and equipment.

• Scotland: A red Whaly RIB stolen from Loch Lomond Marina in 2024 was later recovered by Police Scotland – proof that even inland waterways are not immune.

Changing the narrative

Boat theft isn’t rare – it’s just rarely talked about. Through acknowledging the risk and spreading awareness owners can help turn the tide on marine theft across the UK.

SeaSight was built to empower boat owners, provide reassurance and technology that prevents theft before it happens and ensure recovery if it does.

Discover how SeaSight’s layered marine security system can safeguard your vessel: https://www.seasight.world/products