A RESTORATION fund has been set up for Harwich’s historic LV18 ship following an arson attack last week.

The boat - which was featured in the pirate radio movie The Boat that Rocked – was hit in one of three suspected arsons in the town on Saturday.

One man has been charged in connection with two of the fires in Harwich on Friday, February 2, including the Harwich Quay fire which resulted in the historic boat being damaged.

On behalf of The Pharos Trust, a charity which looks after the preservation of the boat, Heather O'Neil created a ‘go-fund-me’ page with a £25,000 target.

More than £1,500 has already been raised.

Tony O’Neil, curator and trustee at the LV18, previously told the Harwich and Manningtree Standard that he won't let this attack beat him, and said: "It's devastating”. 

“My wife and I were called at 9pm, we live just opposite.

"We've just launched a radio station onboard and after spending a lot of money it was finally working perfectly.

"It’s the only boat of its kind left as it is, it's unique, it’s a national treasure and a Harwich treasure.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Devastated- Tony O'Neil smiling next to the boat in 2018Devastated- Tony O'Neil smiling next to the boat in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

The LV18 said that the ship has been “severely damaged” and that radio stations feeds will be put back on “as soon as possible”.

To donate for the restoration of the LV18 vessel visit here.