A boat and trailer stolen from an Umdloti, KZN, complex in the wee hours four months ago has been returned to the distraught owners after it was spotted on Facebook Marketplace.

It was being offered for a steal of just R25 000.

From the photos, it was evident that the boat’s two 30-horsepower Yamaha three-cylinder engines had already been removed. The thieves had also peeled off the stickers from the side of the craft, but their outlines were still visible.

Once a member of the boating community raised the alarm, swift action by Durban North SAPS, Saps Crime Intelligence and Marshall Security resulted in the boat being recovered in KwaNgcolosi, near Inanda Dam last week.

One person was arrested.

The boat’s owners, Lee and Ash Jackson, were relieved and surprised to have their beloved ‘Junior’ returned to them.

When the boat was stolen on September 20 last year, it had seemingly vanished without a trace, despite the police’s best efforts and the entire boating community as far north as Richard’s Bay looking for it.

What made matters worse was that the theft occurred the same week that Lee’s father passed away. The Jacksons were devastated.

“We used the boat every weekend. If we weren’t using it because of bad weather, Lee was always working on it,” said Ash.

Lee had poured his soul into their pride and joy, adding custom features such as a collapsible sun shade, custom seat covers, a new cable winch, push pole and fish finder. He also redid the floor. There was also R2 000 in fuel and all his deep sea rigs on the boat as Lee had planned to go fishing that morning.

Ash said the outcome had restored her faith in the police and she hoped that all the criminals involved would be brought to justice.