A “PRICELESS” boat with sentimental value has been stolen from a marina, leaving the owners devastated.

The Betsy Jane boat was stolen last weekend from the Essex Marina on Wallasea Island, with the boat still missing despite searches.

CCTV is in operation at the marina, but did not cover the area where Betsy Jane was stolen from.

Barry Shea, owner of the boat, purchased it in 2010 following the death of his father.

He said: “She is such a special boat to my family; we’re devastated.

“I had a really close relationship with my dad and when he passed away we bought the boat as something special to remember him by as we often went fishing together.

“As he never got to meet his grandchildren, we named the boat after our daughter Betsy Jane.

“That boat is priceless.”

Barry, his partner Amanda Hills and his children Betsy and Alfie have made “amazing memories” on the boat and appeals to find it have been shared far and wide on social media.

Barry’s dad’s fishing equipment was onboard the boat when it was stolen.

He added: “Just to add to all the upset, my fathers fishing tackle were stored in the lock up on board Betsy Jane when she was stolen.

“Just in time for the new boating season, my aunt had hand made all new seat covers and cushions for us too, so it is more than just a boat, it means so much to my family.

“We just hope through the power of social media, the Police and the Echo, we can have a chance of finding and getting our beloved Betsy Jane back.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are investigating an allegation of a theft of boat from Rochford.

"It was reported that the theft took place at Essex Marina, Wallasea Island, between Saturday 22 January and 9am Monday 24 January.

"Officers investigating would ask that anyone who may have doorbell cameras in Creeksea Ferry Road or Lambourne Hall Road to check their cameras to see if they have captured footage that may help us.

"Anyone who may have information that could help our investigation is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 42/21770/22.

"You can also submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."