The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT: The Grand Bahama Shipyard is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of $300,000 worth of equipment stolen from its yard last week. Rueben Byrd, senior vice president of operations, is asking the public's assistance in locating three missing fairwater propeller cones, which are made of brass or bronze and weigh 7,000 lbs. He believes the items were taken by thieves for their scrap metal value which would be anywhere around $5,000. "We are assuming that the equipment was stolen for scrap metal. We have contacted the scrap metal companies and we have had no response," said Mr Byrd. The matter has been reported to the Police and investigations are under way, but shipyard officials are also appealing to the public to assist them in locating the propellers. "We need as much information from the public because somebody has obviously seen this leave the yard or the island. Somebody has had to have seen this and knows something about it," Mr Byrd said. He stressed that the items belong to their customers and are needed so they can complete their work on the vessels docked at the shipyard. "We did notify the client and he is very grateful that we have taken action by putting a reward out for this. "Between all three pieces the value to us and the customers is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $300,000, and the scrap value is somewhere around $5,000 - that's it, so it's not worth it," he said. Mr Byrd said there is a strong possibility someone on the "inside" might be involved as a certain piece of equipment is needed to load the cone propellers. He noted that each cone can weigh between 1,000lbs to 3,000lbs. "I would hate to say it, but of course we would (have to) assume that someone inside has something to do with this," he said. Mr Byrd said the shipyard has experienced thefts over the past year and has been actively investigating those incidents along with the police. He noted that before the scrap metal ban they were losing copper, but the incidents had ceased after the government-imposed a ban on cooper and scrap metal export. Mr Byrd said the sudden rise in price for copper and brass is enticing thieves to strike businesses again. "It will cost the shipyard in excess of $200,000 if we can not recover the items. To build a new piece, to get it cast and balanced, it would be 16 to 20 weeks," he stated. He further explained that if work on the cargo vessel is not completed in time and the shipyard could lose millions of dollars if the vessel is contracted for charter service. Management is deeply concerned about the direct impact that these thefts will have on their business, said Mr Byrd. "The marine industry is a very small industry and any news of failure will hinder the company's progress and will directly affect the economy of Grand Bahama," he said. The company employs 300 Bahamians and more than 100 subcontractors, and supports many local businesses indirectly. Kendrick Knowles, health, safety, security manager, said they have beefed up security and have installed additional surveillance at the yard. "This is really a vexing problem to us. This has to stop," he said. Marilyn Johnson, human resources manager, said they have contacted union officials and have launched an internal investigation. Mr Byrd said if it is found that an employee is involved, the individual would be suspended, discharged and prosecuted. Anyone with information or tips can call the Royal Bahamas Commercial Crimes Unit in Grand Bahama at 350-3099.