Police are investigating an act of vandalism which saw a $600,000 Marine Rescue NSW vessel cut free from its mooring at Port Hacking early Sunday.
The boat drifted from its safe mooring at Hungry Point on to sand at Darook Park sustaining some damage to the bow.
Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Unit Commander Craig Horner said it was a low act.
‘‘It’s just extremely frustrating,’’ Mr Horner said.
‘‘They’ve deliberately cut the lines.’’
It’s not the first time the boat has been targetted by criminal activity.
The boat was broken into several times last year and essential safety equipment was stolen.
Port Hacking 30 is permanently based at Hungry Point to provide a safety net for boaters on Port Hacking and offshore.
Mr Horner said it was fortunate the vessel was able to be recovered at high tide.
‘‘There is some damage to the starboard bow. It looks like it’s hit some rocks,’’ he said.
‘‘I think we’ve come out of this pretty lightly considering what could have happened.’’
Mr Horner said the unit has prepared a report for local police and the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
