Thieves Strike Kayak Association Repeatedly

A series of thefts at the small Bermuda Kayak Association [BKA] compound on Coney Island have lead to the loss of several kayaks for the group.

While two were recovered, the series of thefts has left the group concerned about the safety of their equipment and with four kayaks unaccounted for.

Vice president of the Bermuda Kayak Association [formerly the Bermuda Canoe Association] Hilda Matcham said, “We are a small group of avid kayakers and we rent a small compound on Coney Island from the government to house our 22 kayaks and the shed containing our equipment.

“As our compound is on a pretty remote part of the island, we have experienced many break-ins over the years. Two weeks ago, we found that someone had cut the razor wire off of the top of one of the gates, stole one kayak, and was in the process of taking another when they were disturbed.”

At center is one of the stolen kayaks still unaccounted for:

“We replaced the wire and reinforced it as best as we could and all seemed well. We did our annual clean up on April 26 and then, when we arrived on Sunday morning to go out for a paddle, we found the razor wire cut off the other side of the gate and two more kayaks stolen.”

“Thankfully, a gentleman who lives on his boat in the area and who knows us well was walking over the island and came upon the two boats stuck down behind a part of the old fort building near the bridge. He also found a knife and a bottle of degreaser; the thieves had scraped off all the Marine & Ports decals on the kayaks and tried to remove the indelible ink name and numbers.”

Another of the recently stolen kayaks, along with a yellow model that was stolen previously:

“We called police and they were able to get some fingerprints off of the knife; we’re just waiting to hear if these prints are in their database. In the meantime, we had two more kayaks stolen during the night of May 1.”

The Bermuda Kayak Association is a small group that functions solely from the procurement of small membership fees; at only $120 per year for singles and $180 per year for couples, they supply the kayak, spray skirt, paddle, and life jacket while making arrangements to paddle once or twice each week.

Despite limited membership and funds, the group has raised more than $65,000 over the past 15 years through their “Paddling for P.A.L.S.” program, as well as supporting events such as the Rubber Ducky Derby, the Round the Sound Swimathon, the Trunk Island Swim, and various other swim assists when requested.

One of the two kayaks stolen on the night of May 1, 2014:

Ms. Matcham continued, “We want to get the message out to the public to be on the lookout for any kayaks that have our name on them and to have them contact the police or us directly. We are willing to offer a reward for information that leads to the recovery of the kayaks.”

There are currently six kayaks missing from the Bermuda Kayak Association compound. The three from the most recent theft include a dark royal blue Perception Dancer kayak [decal #3399], a red kayak [decal #3587], and a yellow White’s kayak [decal #21].

The three other missing kayaks, stolen a few years ago, include two Ace Voyagers, one yellow and one red, and a dark royal blue Perception Dancer.

Anyone with information concerning their whereabouts is asked to contact the Bermuda Police Service on 295-0011 or Hilda Matcham of the Bermuda Kayak Association via email at hilda@logic.bm.

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