READERS of narrowboatworld may remember our reporting the death last year of Colin Hill who owned the hire company of Maestermyn Marine, that was consequently closed.
One of our contributors asked what would happen to the boats, it being understood there were six narrowboats previously operated by the company, but little was forthcoming.
Sold by 'auction'
It has now been discovered that the boats were sold by auction earlier this year, but try as we might we are unable to ascertain who bought them or how much was paid, only a rumour circulating that most were bought by one person.
But it was not the normal kind of auction where people bid against each other and the lots go to the highest bidder, but a most peculiar auction where one person puts in a bid in secret, having now idea how others are bidding—somewhat like sealed bids for a contract.
Put in a bid then left
But not quite, as the person arrived at the auction, put in a bid then left, and was later telephoned by someone asking if the bid would be increased. Then nothing!
But the plot thickens, for five of the six boats were then shown on a website, stolenboats.org.uk, as being stolen! The remaining one has turned up at Overwater Marina, with the owner aware of the matter and waiting to see what now transpires.
So what is it all about? Has a buyer taken the boats without paying? Or found they had been stolen when arriving to collect? Or is someone up to no good?
The police state that there is no investigation taking place.