VANDALS who have caused thousands of pounds of damage to a boat moored on the River Teifi at Gwbert are also risking their lives.

The 35ft ocean-going yacht ‘Ceridwen’ is moored near the riverbank just down from Swallow Yachts and vandals are believed to have climbed on board the vessel at low water, broken in and caused the damage.

Boat owner Jonny Blake said: “It’s the second or third time the boat has been broken into but this is by far the worst damage that has been caused.

“They have smashed doors and the navigation equipment. They have scrawled on the inside of the boat and scattered around stuff like coffee and rice which was on board.

“We are probably looking at more than £2,000 of damage because of the navigation equipment and they probably don’t realise that.”

Mr Blake, 31, who trained as a boat builder and used to work at Swallow Yachts, is now retraining to be a teacher.

And while upset at the damage, he is also concerned that those responsible are putting their lives at risk.

“The boat weighs five tons and has big carbon-fibre masts and something could easily fall on them. If people mess with the mooring lines, it is particularly dangerous,” said Mr Blake.

Police are investigating the criminal damage and a spokesman said: “The damage is of a substantial value to internal fixtures and fittings.

“In addition to the damage to the boat, Dyfed Powys Police are also concerned that people engaged in such activity are placing themselves at risk through activity at or near tidal waters which could result in serious injury or worse.”

Anyone with information can contact 101.