A BUSINESSMAN has unveiled his plan to save a capsized houseboat left half flooded on its side for more than a year.

The Llys Helig has been left abandoned at Burnham Quay after a freshwater tap leak caused it to topple in March 2017.

Since then a string of failed sales on eBay have seen its future in doubt.

But now plans are underway to get her raised as soon as possible, as she has been bought by Howard Dawber, Managing Director of the Canary Wharf Group in London.

Mr Dawber saw the boat listed for sale on eBay, and placed an unsuccessful bid last month, missing the end of auction due to being in China on business.

But when the sale feel through, Mr Dawber contacted owner Steve Dabson on the off chance it was still available.

After paying visits to the site and researching its history, the sale was agreed.

Mr Dawber said: “Something about it just really grabbed me, there was a real opportunity to create something amazing.

“She’s been nicknamed the Burnham Titantic; in actual fact she’s only ten years younger than the actual Titantic, having been made in 1922.

“Researching the history I found out she’s one of the last remaining ships built by John Isaac Thornycroft, who began in the 19th century and built many Royal Navy destroyers.

“I also found out she’s made several trips across the Atlantic, and was used as a transport vessel to and from the ship that housed Radio Caroline off the coast of Essex and Suffolk.

“This isn’t the first time she’s rolled over – apparently they’re very top heavy, it’s happened three times in her life. If Radio Caroline was the boat that rocked, she was the boat that rolled.”

Mr Dawber has said the work to raise, repair, restore and eventually move the Llys Helig could take months and cost thousands.

Despite this, he aims to have her righted as soon as possible, with a target of 2022 to have the ship steam back into Burnham in its full glory.

He said: “I want her raised a soon as possible, I’m having sleepless nights worrying about her sitting in the water and rotting away.”

“She may have a less attractive shell, but inside will be a wonderful vessel.”