A COMMUNITY project to save a beloved small boat from decay has raised enough money to begin vital repairs.

The boat, painted in the colours Jamaican Flag, has become a mainstay fixture for residents and walkers along East Beach, Shoebury.

Owned by Tony Madden, referred to by intrigued locals as the “Rasta Pirate”, the boat has fallen into disrepair in recent years and is in need of urgent repairs.

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A fundraisers has raised £1,030 and now the boat is set for a three-month spell at a dry dock for repairs.

The man behind the fundraiser, Damian Wanstall, 47, said: ““On Sunday, we are going to sail it to Wakering Boat Yard and get it out of the water.

“We will then have three months to complete all the work and get the ship back into top shape.”

Mr Wanstall says the project still needs to raise more money to fund engine repairs, but he is optimistic they will be able to fix the rotting exterior with what has been raised so far.

“Once we have got it out and people can see the work being done and a bit of progress, hopefully that will attract a bit more support so we can sort out all the issues with the engine and we can get over that hurdle,” he said.

The Shoebury resident says he has been blown away by how the community has rallied around the campaign.

“The community support has been absolutely phenomenal,” he said.

“We’ve had 46 different people donate to the cause and the comments have been so heart-warming.

“There is a real genuine fondness for the boat. People are really excited to see this little boat back out on the water and back in a good condition.”

Mr Madden, owner of the boat, has been “bowled over” by the support, he added.

“Tony gets quite emotional about it all. He can be quite a hard character, but when he starts talking about how the community has gathered around him his voice breaks and he gets quite emotional.”