THUGS broke into the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) base in Strandfontein, stole a JetRIB lifeboat, and disappeared.
After police launched a search operation, the debris of the burnt boat were found in an open area in the Blikkiesdorp area of Delft, Western Cape.
NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon reported the incident, saying the discovery was made when rescue teams arrived at the base on Sunday, 28 May for a routine exercise.
ALSO READ: CCTV footage gets kasi tsotsis bust!
"On Sunday morning, NSRI crews arriving at the Strandfontein rescue base for a routine training exercise discovered that the rescue base had been broken into in the early hours of the morning and an NSRI JetRIB rescue craft was missing. The four padlocks on the slipway boat gate were found opened and damaged," Lambinon said.
He said that the stolen rescue boat was fully equipped for rescue operations costing R650 000. Lambinon said that they opened a case at the Strandfontein police and investigations were launched by the cops.
He said on Sunday afternoon, while searching an open field in Blikkiesdorp, Delft, they discovered what appeared to be a boat that had recently been destroyed by fire.
"Preliminary information indicates that perpetrator (s) broke the lock on the station's garage to gain entry and stole a Riptide jet ski (which is vital in rescue situations) on its tailor," Pojie said.
He said that anyone with information about the incident should call the Strandfontein cops on 021 370 1540 or CrimeStop at 08600 10111.
