VOLUNTEERS at a Poole charity have condemned the “heartless” vandals who wrecked their £20,000 boat and left it to drift around the harbour.

Poole Sailability’s standout yellow rescue boat, which is vital to the running of twice-weekly sailing trips for disabled people from Rockley Watersports, was stolen from the boat park and had its engine ripped out.

The three-year-old vessel was found aground on rocks near Fisherman’s Dock, along The Quay, on Tuesday morning.

Anna Moreland, chairwoman of Poole Sailability’s trustees, said: “The boat is just wrecked. It was stolen from Rockley and found adrift off Baiter.

“The engine has been wrecked and is missing.”

The Daily Echo’s parent company, Gannett, purchased the boat, which had to be pulled off the rocks by the county’s marine police.

“We need the boat whenever we take disabled people out sailing, for safety,” Mrs Moreland said.

“We are devastated. This is going to affect our operations. It’s a very heartless thing to do.”

The boat’s instruments and safety equipment have also been taken.

She added: “We think the thieves took the boat to wherever they could work quietly, then having stripped everything out, set it adrift, and the tide and wind meant it ended up at Baiter.”

Poole Sailability has been running for nearly 25 years, and has been independent for 10 years.

It relies on volunteers to help out with active sailing trips for the disabled on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Rockley Watersports have offered to loan the group a safety boat until they can afford the estimated £18,000 for repairs or replacement.