A PENSIONERS' day out was sabotaged after vandals broke into a boat they were due to sail on and cut the electrics in the engine.

More than 170 senior citizens from Marlow were left high and dry last Wednesday moments before they were due to set sail down the River Thames.

But the show went on as a back-up boat sailed in to take 100 of the pensioners on the Rotary-organised trip to Henley while the rest enjoyed lunch on the vandalised craft.

Owners Salter Boats have been left wondering what type of vandal would break into the engine room and cut essential wires.

Neil Kinch, manager, said: "Normally you would expect a vandal to lob a stone through a window but they slashed wires in the engine room.

"You don't need much skill to rip out wiring but why anyone would do something like that I really don't know."

Despite the set back organisers pushed on with the day. Lance Slater, a spokesman for the Rotary Club of Marlow, said: "In true British fashion we made the best of a bad situation and strength overcame adversity.

"We are disgusted that someone could commit such a mindless act of vandalism and at the same time spoil a day that many many old people look forward to for the year."

One pensioner from Marlow Bottom said: "It was a real disappointment and I am very sorry for the people who run it."

The boat company have had to fork out around £500 to fix the damage.