The famous Cambria barge may not return to Faversham again, after it was burgled by thirsty thugs for a SECOND time.

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment and a bottle of rum were snatched in the raid on Friday evening, leaving volunteers who work tirelessly on the historic ship devastated.

Cash, a television, computer, camera, drill, handheld radios and a CCTV system were all stolen from the boat while it was moored in Standard Quay.

The Cambria, which dates back to the 1800s, has become an iconic part of Faversham after it was renovated by shipwrights and apprentices in the Quay and relaunched in Faversham Creek in 2011.

But it is not just recognised in our small market town – it is known worldwide as a famous vessel.

It has offered training programmes and employment for dozens of local people and will eventually operate as a “floating classroom” working hand in hand with educational charities and schools, travelling through the Thames estuary.

But the second burglary in less than a year has left volunteers from the Cambria Trust “disheartened” and they have spoken exclusively to the Faversham News to reveal that they may have to “review” bringing the ship back to the town.

Cambria Trust operations secretary Dave Brooks told us that the captain’s wife was in tears when they discovered the hatch had been smashed open on Saturday afternoon.

He said: “We are a charity and funded by donations so it is going to take a lot to repay these costs.

“We have a tiny income and the volunteers who work on the barge are so passionate about the Cambria that we often use a lot of our own money.

“Faversham has been so good to the Cambria and we love mooring it here, but unfortunately we will have to review this because this is the second time we have been broken into.”

“Faversham has been so good to the Cambria and we love mooring it here, but unfortunately we will have to review this because this is the second time we have been broken into.”

Faversham Creek Trust chairman professor Chris Wright said: “This is disturbing news but such things have happened from time to time in other places.

“It underlines the need for all of us in the creekside community to be vigilant and help where we can to protect vulnerable craft in Faversham Creek.”

To donate to the Cambria Trust or for more information on the barge visit www.cambriabargecharter.co.uk

Police spokesman Carly Wymark said: “We are investigating a report of a burglary other than dwelling from a sailing barge in Standard Quay, Faversham between 4pm on February 18 and 2.30pm on February 21. Enquiries are ongoing.”

If anyone has any information regarding the burglary, call police on 101 and quote crime reference number XY/006366/15.