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NextImg:'Hugely loved' pleasure boat 'overwhelmed' with community donations after being sunk by vandals

A fundraiser to restore a "hugely loved" community pleasure boat has raised more than £6,000 after the vessel was vandalised and "partially" sunk.

The Duchess of Cocklemoor was temporarily closed after being vandalised but has since been reopened.

The vessel takes groups along the River Parrett in Langport, Somerset.

Langport Councillor Ian McNab said the boat - powered by solar panels - sustained "a lot of damage".

The community has banded together to support the boat with £6,295 raised on GoFundMe.

"People really do love the Duchess of Cocklemoore," McNab told the BBC.

"It was such a sad thing to happen, but I'd just like to thank the community."

He added: "She's back on the water again."

GoFundMe

GOFUNDME

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The vandals threw mud on the roof and turned off pumps, causing the boat to sink in July

In the wake of the attack last month, the fundraiser's description said: "She was visited during the night ... and vandalised."

"Items stored in the boat were thrown in the boat, mud thrown over it and the pumps that keep the boat afloat turned off causing her to partially sink," the fundraiser added.

"We have been able to use a pump kindly loaned to us to drain the water and reflect her.

"Unfortunately the water has damaged the recharging electronics so these will have to be replaced."

Duchess of Cocklemoore

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The popular Duchess of Cocklemoore

In an update later in July, the fundraiser said: "The custodian and volunteers of The Duchess of Cocklemoor have been overwhelmed by the support from our local community and beyond."

"The money raised has so far enabled the boat to be re-floated and the electrics made safe to enable trips to go ahead," the statement added.

"Whilst there is much more to do, such as replacing the batteries, and the boat furniture it is wonderful to have her back on the water. The Go Fund Me has been quite staggering, and we are all truly grateful."

Another post on Monday shared a further update after the "GoFundMe ... exceeded any anticipated targets".

Another image of the vessel

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Another image of the vessel

"You are what makes Langport and district an awesome place to be," the fundraiser said.

The boat was a former ferry built in 1908 and had only recently been restored.

Avon & Somerset Police launched an investigation into reports of criminal damage after the vessel was sunk and vandalised.

"It's a bit like getting back on a horse after you've got thrown off, you get straight back on," McNab said.

"We love the Duchess and she's a great boat, and the community have been amazing in supporting her."