Shocking footage has emerged of three youths climbing over security fencing at Broughty Ferry lifeboat station before tampering with equipment.
Coxswain Murray Brown described the behaviour as “wanton vandalism” and said it put lives at risk because volunteers had to spend 30 minutes fixing damage to ropes on the lifeboat.
Mr Brown said that the intrusion at the lifeboat station was captured on their own CCTV footage at 7.42pm on April 2.
He said: “The footage shows three youths hanging about the station before climbing around the security gate on the jetty.
“All three then made their way to the all weather lifeboat. There they tampered with the ropes securing the lifeboat as well as with the davit, which is used for lowering and removing equipment on and off the boat.”
Mr Brown said the crew could have lost crucial minutes if the damage was not spotted before being called to an emergency.
He said: “This could have caused a serious delay on a shout if it hadn’t been discovered beforehand.
Unacceptable behaviour
“That time could have caused someone to lose their life. This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable.
“I don’t understand or see the point in someone doing this.
“It’s disgusting and ridiculous. Our crew are all volunteers who give up their time to save lives at sea and in the river and these idiots think it’s acceptable to do something like this.”
Mr Brown said the CCTV footage was very clear and he was hopeful someone would recognise the culprits.
He said: “Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing. The police have been notified and I really hope those responsible get what they deserve.
“This was a mindless act of wanton vandalism that could have had disastrous consequences.”
Lives could have been lost
He added: “Such acts not only delay an emergency response from the RNLI but also have the potential for lives being lost.
“The irony of it is that had any of the intruders fell into the water one of the lifeboats may not have been unable to get to them on time due to this vandalism.”
Mr Brown also said that the damage had to be repaired at the station’s own expense.
He said: “The RNLI is a charity that relies on using any money raised to keep the lifeboats and station operational every day of the year.
“Any costs incurred through such reckless acts diverts this money to repair or replace any equipment.”
He asked that anyone with any information contacts the crew on 01382 779956.
Police investigating
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On the evening of Saturday April 2 police received a report of youths vandalising the lifeboat station in Broughty Ferry.
“There was no trace when officers attended and suitable advice was provided.
“Officers have now become aware of footage being circulated on social media and will carry out further inquiries into the incident.”
The incident comes as police revealed on Monday that they are to be increasing police patrols and mobile CCTV coverage in Broughty Ferry in response to a recent increase in vandalism and other anti-social behaviour in the area.
