HORRIFIED lifeboat volunteers say a break-in during which a station’s power supply was cut could have had ’serious consequences’.

The power supply to Fowey lifeboat – which keeps batteries charged to ensure the crew can launch immediately when required – was cut when thieves stole tools. They caused damage to the boat’s electrical systems in the process.

Thieves managed to get on to the Trent class Maurice and Joyce Hardy lifeboat in Fowey Harbour overnight between Monday and Tuesday (February 29 and March 1).

An RNLI spokesman said: ’To do something like this is seriously worrying and could have had very serious consequences.’

The offenders did not get inside the boat, as it is kept locked, but managed to clamber up to the boat’s foredeck.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting crime reference CR/013162/16.