Newson's Boatyard on Lake Lothing, Lowestoft took fire in circumstances that remain unexplained. Keith Wood who has operated the yard for over 10 years was profoundly shaken by the fire: "We are at a loss to know what exactly started the fire, " he told Boating Business. "It seems to have caught in the upper end of the main slipway shed and we can only conclude that it was deliberate."

The flames spread to the adjoining sheds where some work in hand was also destroyed, along with our machine tools and many tools belonging to our yard staff were also lost, he added.

Tragically the fire destroyed the wartime MGB 60. This British Powerboats vessel was nearing completion of a keel - up refit in the boatshed using traditional, as-built double diagonal construction. The vessel was shortly due to be launched and steps were being taken to secure lottery funding for further rebuilding work.

"The loss of the MGB is just appalling, " said Wood. "We brought her here from Woodbridge about three and a half years ago. The vessel, and all of the history that she represented, has gone."

Visitors to www.newson.co.uk can see a pictorial record of the works ending, sadly, with a picture of her as she is today.

"We can rebuild our yard, " said Wood, "but while I am still trying to come to terms with this disaster, I can only marvel at the way the staff have rallied and are getting on with work for our other customers. We will be back. There's no 'if' about it."