Fundraising campaign after popular Doncaster party boat destroyed in arson attack

The Wyre Lady, which served in World War Two in a previous guise, was badly damaged after fire ripped through the vessel last week.

Now a GoFundMe campaign to save the boat – which is now used as a party celebration boat and which is stationed at Sprotbrough – has been set up to raise £5,000 for repairs.

Organiser James Ashcroft said: “As you can see from the picture, someone has unfortunately, set the boat on fire using an aggressive accelerant and caused huge amounts of damage.

“Tom, the captain of the boat is devastated. 16 years of his blood, sweat and tears have been put in to the old girl. He is distraught that such a huge piece of history that has seen so many lovely customers enjoy the boat may no longer happen.”

You can donate to the campaign HERE

Meanwhile, police are looking for witnesses and dashcam footage following the fire at Sprotbrough Lock last Wednesday between 6pm and 6.30pm.

PC Josh Smith said: “The Wyre Lady boat is an impressive vessel with incredible history. She was built in 1938 as a railway passenger ferry. In 1939 the then named 'Ashton' was requisitioned by the Royal Navy on the outbreak of the Second World War.

“In 1978, The Wyre Lady was brought to Doncaster where she continued to trade.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 745 of 25 June 2020.