Campaign to save iconic Shoebury 'Rasta boat' almost done

The boat, owned by Tony Madden and called Mumma Dread, has built itself a legendary reputation in Shoebury, especially among those who regularly visit East Beach.

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The boat, painted in the bright colours of the Jamaican Flag, was falling into disrepair and was close to being written off, with Mr Madden reluctantly accepting he did not have much time left with his beloved vessel.

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But a community fundraiser pulled together more than £1,000 and a team of dedicated volunteers clubbed together to dedicate many hours to fixing the boat.

The boat is almost finished (Image: Damian Wanstall)

It has taken the four volunteers about three weeks of work, putting in 10 hours shifts almost every day; the boat is ready to return to the sea later this week.

All the rotten wood of the cockpit has been replaced and a new heater has been fitted that heats the cockpit and the cabin.

A new floor has been laid on the deck, the hull has been cleaned and sealed, new windows and window wipers have been fitted, along with new hand rails and a fresh lick of paint.

A new starter motor has been fitted to the engine, and the fuel supply systems have been fixed.

“It has been a monumental task, with many many hours dedicated to bringing Mumma Dread back to life,” Damian Wanstall, 47, the Shoebury resident behind the fundraising campaign, said.

“We are so thankful for all of the support that we received in terms of donations to fund the work, it has shown a real community spirit and passion for looking after one of our own.

“The boat has become quite symbolic of the neighbourly spirit in the area, we have all grown to known it over the years and people didn’t want to see it lost.”

He added: “Because we are working on the beach, we are always meeting and talking to new people who stop to share their memories of the boat and what it means to them.

“We can’t wait to see it finally back in the water.”