Assault on 'Zig Zag'

On the night of Saturday 25 th May, the skipper of 'Zig Zag' was moored on the pontoon at the pier, Warrenpoint.

Shortly before 3.00 am, Sunday am, footsteps echoed on the pontoon and a large bang was heard and felt on the side of the boat, which awoke the crew. Damage was being done.

Upon looking out, two old Warrenpoint BC members - very much the worse for drink - confronted the skipper, asking him to step out of the boat and on to the pontoon. Violence was offered by both. Reason did not work.

They both then boarded the boat, further damage was done by one party in particular. Further threats of immediate physical violence were made by both. The skipper successfully managed to defend the entrance to the boat cabin, sustaining blows to the head and injuries to the hand, shoulder, neck and eye from the  assault by one party. Partial blindness in one eye is now being experienced.

Although under threat and continued assault, a 999 call was managed, but this did not deter the perpetrators. One in particular was intent on doing the skipper serious damage, and made further and repeated threats against the 'fucking English bastard', 'fucking English cunt' and repeatedly said, 'we'll get you', and ' you'll not get off this pontoon'.

Was this a threat to kill ?

Both made their intentions known - repeatedly - that I could expect further violent episodes in the future. Threats were also made against other named Red Star BC members.

Thankfully, the PSNI arrived quickly, the perpetrators positively identified, and charges will follow. I made clear to the PSNI that I was fearful of more serious attacks, as they had been repeatedly threatened.

Red Star BC understands that this is not the first time these two have involved themselves in such behaviour. The PSNI have been fully informed.

The Warrenpoint Harbour Authority CCTV caught the events. The PSNI will review this footage.

It would appear that these two objected to our club blog and blamed the Administrator. Irrespective of this, such unprovoked violent attacks will not be tolerated.