Cornish Businessman Launches Marine Security Products After Boat Theft

From Confusion to Creation: How a St Mawes Boat Theft Led to a New Safety Solution for Boaters

When Tony Cantrill returned home from a work trip in July 2024, he didn't expect to find his brand-new Ribeye A683 missing. The boat, just 23 days old, had vanished from its swing mooring in St Mawes under cover of darkness. What followed was disbelief, a community-wide search, and an international investigation — and now, a brand-new marine security system designed from that very experience.

A year on from the theft, Tony has launched SeaSight, a range of security products designed specifically for small and mid-sized leisure vessels. His aim is simple: help other boat owners avoid the same fate.

A Still Night, a Missing Boat

The theft happened quietly on a high tide night. With no signs of drift or damage, initial suggestions included everything from a forgotten mooring to a navigation error. But Tony knew it had been taken.

The case quickly escalated. Local harbour authorities, marine police, Border Force and Project Kraken were all involved. The incident was even logged with Interpol by Tony's insurer.

Despite support from the boating community, the vessel was never recovered.

"People assumed I'd just forgotten where I'd moored it," Tony said. "Some suggested it had drifted. But I knew that wasn't the case — smaller boats do get stolen and there is a growing concern that criminals are using them for covert drug transfers and other illegal activities."

📷Cantrill's stolen vessel

A Gap in the Market

As the weeks passed, one thing became clear: marine security options for smaller boats were seriously lacking. Many existing systems were built for cars or fleets, not for marine use.

So Tony, who has a background in IT and systems engineering, began developing something purpose-built for boats – with practical, real-world functionality.

Within a year, SeaSight was launched.

What is SeaSight?

The system consists of three self-install products that can be used alone or combined:

• Secure: A marine-grade lock and 5-metre cable developed with ABUS. It physically secures the boat and serves as a visible deterrent. No power or connectivity required.

• Shield: A connected alarm and tracking system that alerts the owner to unauthorised movement via mobile app. It includes ignition sensing, geofencing, tamper alerts, power monitoring and more. A key feature is a proprietary mooring sensor that detects if the boat breaks free or is taken.

• Stealth: A battery-powered, hidden tracking device that sends secure location updates every 24 hours, even if the boat's main systems are shut down or tampered with.

All three work with the SeaSight mobile app and are available now via seasight.co.uk and from marine lifestyle retailer Tack & Jibe.

📷Tony Cantrill

Rising Concerns Around Marine Theft

While many marine thefts go unreported, recent incidents in the region include a burglary in St Austell where three outboard engines were stolen, and a series of thefts from suppliers across Devon and Cornwall resulting in around £150,000 of losses.

Tony hopes SeaSight will raise awareness and give owners more control.

"It's just not something leisure boaters want to think about — until it happens," he said. "That experience is what drove me to build a solution that's accessible, practical, and built for real-world conditions."

SeaSight is now available to boat owners looking for a layered approach to protecting their vessels. For more information, visit the website.

📷Tony Cantrill in his Ribeye A683