Fisherman criticised

The news comes amid claims made by Mr Mills this week that the harbour board dragged its heels in allowing the Lady Lena to be salvaged and that sabotage had caused it to sink.

But Littlehampton Harbour Master Colin Hitchcock defended his decision, saying he had been deeply concerned about the potential pollution threat of a sunken boat, as it could have leaked large amounts of oil and diesel into the river.

He asked: "What would the people of Littlehampton think if a person covered the 150 swans and 500 leisure craft within the harbour with diesel?"

Mr Hitchcock wanted to make sure the minimum of environmental damage was caused in the salvage operation and had merely stipulated the team carrying out the work must be Health and Safety Executive qualified.

He added: "It has always been my aim to make Littlehampton Harbour a safe port for all.

"If that means I have to ensure the master of a vessel carries out a task in accordance with current regulations, bearing in mind he had previously stated he was not insured, I will endeavour to ensure compiance with all regulations."

Mr Mills called a reputable salvage team to lift the Lady Lena out of the harbour and said a severed water inlet pipe had caused the boat to sink, which he believes is the work of a saboteur.

"It could have been anyone, you would only have to have limited knowledge about boats to do this obviously I have upset a few people over the years," added Mr Mills.

But according to the harbour master, the salvage team from Shoreham said the pipe was heavily corroded and could have split due to wear and tear.

Mr Mills has now vowed to be back fishing by August bank holiday.

He said: "We are going to do the boat up. We have got it out of the water and it is being stripped down.

"I have had to take on other work, with not being able to fish, but hopefully, I would like to think it will be back on the water again."