Sheila and Eugene O'Connor received a double blow this weekend when their boat was destroyed in a fire and a family heirloom was stolen from their home.

The owners of Townecraft Cookware on Princess Street in Hamilton awoke early on Saturday morning to the news that their family boat was on fire.

And when they returned home later that day from the fire scene they discovered their Pembroke home had been entered and someone had made off with the heirloom -- a half-pound gold chain and pendant -- plus other assorted jewellery and about $400 in cash.

Now the couple are offering a reward for any information relating to the two incidents and for the return of the heirloom.

Family left reeling by fire/theft The 32-foot Cleopatra cabin cruiser, which the family had owned for about 20 years, had been on land in the parking lot of the couple's business for the past three months as it was up for sale, Mrs. O'Connor told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

Potential buyers were lined up for Sherrie-a-amour which Mrs. O'Connor said was important to her and her husband who "brought our three kids up on it.

"We were awakened at around 4 a.m. on Saturday by a phone call saying that our boat was on fire. When we got to Townecraft the Police and fire people were there trying to put it out.'' Mrs. O'Connor said the fire was under investigation but said the $30,000 in damage done to the boat would make the Fire Service personnel's job difficult.

Meanwhile she said she felt one of two things could have happened.

Either someone broke onto the boat to sleep on it and upon leaving left something on it which caused the fire or someone set fire to the vessel intentionally.

This suspicion was backed by the fact someone broke into their home while they were out at the fire scene, said Mrs. O'Connor.

The thief or thieves made off with the very special heirloom, which was very important to the family, and some other jewellery and cash.

Police officers checked the scene, but were unable to find fingerprints, she said.

"We have no enemies that I know of but some people do not like others getting ahead in life,'' Mrs. O'Connor said. "My husband and I have worked very hard through our lives to get where we are.

"We don't bother anyone and we've never had any problems before. Now, all of a sudden, this takes place.'' Anyone with information can call the O'Connors on 292-5185.

Burned out: Fire gutted the O'Connors' 32-foot cabin cruiser Sherrie-a-amour on Saturday.

CRIME CRM