Mystery of the missing boat
The boating community of Knysna is on the look-out for the missing boat of an Irish family that has been visiting Knysna regularly for the past 11 years.
According to Yamaha warranty registration documents, the missing boat is a 6m Fazer 190 with a 200 hp GETOL-engine, and the boat, which has no name, was originally bought brand new from Knysna Marine on April 15, 2004. The engine’s serial number is 61 H L1000114 and the vessel’s approval marking on its Certificate of Fitness is SR1864R.
According to the owner, John Waters, whenever he wanted to use the boat, the agents who handle his local affairs, Rob and Lynn Scott, would arrange to have the boat serviced, fuelled and put to water, ready for the family to enjoy. He has, however, not used the boat in almost four years. Both Waters and Knysna Marine have corresponding records which show that the invoices and bills paid for storage cover the period from 2004 up until 2007/8. After that, the boat seems to have disappeared from record – and storage. A charge of theft has been laid.
On November 27 2007 a fire at Knysna Marine’s office premises destroyed all the enterprise’s records.
According to Knysna SAPS media spokesperson, Sharon Damos, the e-Natis system indicates that neither the boat nor its trailer has ever been registered to the owner’s name.
“Mr Water’s passport number as well as the registration number that was given to the investigating officer were checked, but nothing was found on the system,” said Damos.
If anyone has information that may help solve the mystery of the missing boat, contact Sgt Lionel Kock at 044-3026647.
ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
Source: The Knysna-Plett Herald