Thousands raised to replace tools after boat fire

3 hours ago

Lisa YoungCornwall

News image — Spike Davies lost his tools and equipment in the fire which destroyed a historic fishing trawler

James Woodford The boat is burning and there are many flames and much smoke. Three people are watching the spectacle. It's a cloudy day and there is a tree near the boat and other boats moored next to it. — Spike Davies lost his tools and equipment in the fire which destroyed a historic fishing trawler

Thousands of pounds have been raised in two days to replace a master shipwright's tools after they were lost in a boat fire.

Spike Davies spent two years restoring a wooden 1913 Lowestoft fishing trawler which was destroyed by fire in Sailors Creek, Flushing, Cornwall, last Thursday.

His tools and equipment had been aboard Keewaydin, leaving him without his livelihood.

Mark Cann, co-founder of Sailors Creek community interest company, created a GoFundMe page with an £18,000 target "to get Spike on his feet again". More than £14,00 has so far been raised.

The creator of the page said the community had been extremely generous in supporting Davies.

"Spike has not only lost the vessel he was bringing back to life, but also his tools and equipment," he said.

"For a craftsman, those tools are his livelihood.

"There has been an overwhelming outpouring of sadness for what has happened and we dearly wish to turn this heartbreaking event into a positive moment that reflects the power of community spirit and generosity."

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