Trawler Tragedy

Mr Mills' business survived in spite of losing his moorings and then suffering defeat in a series of high profile legal challenges over the redevelopment of the harbour area.

But now he says the sinking of Lady Lena, at his new moorings beside the former Osborne's boatyard, is the last straw.

He told the Littlehampton Gazette: "It's been the worst two-and-a-half years of my life. I had all that grief with the court cases and the worry of paying for that, then this happens.

"I just feel numb at the moment. I don't know what I'm going to do.

"It's the final nail in the coffin. It makes you feel like chucking it all in."

The first Mr Mills knew of the sinking was when his wife, Vanessa, called him on Tuesday morning to say a friend living opposite the moorings could just see the top of the trawler's mast sticking out of the water.

Faced with the bills from the early stages of his court challenges against Arun District Council and Littlehampton Harbour Board, Mr Mills had not renewed the 30ft boat's insurance earlier this year.

He reckoned his total loss would be around 10,000 to 15,000.

Mr Mills is mystified by what happened to his boat and has reported it to the police.

"Until I get a diver down to look at it

on Saturday morning, it's difficult to say what was the cause. I was only out with the boat on Sunday and there were no problems at all.

"Putting the engine and electrics right would cost thousands and thousands. Basically, it's a write-off."

For the full story, see the Gazette, July 11.