Geraldton police are investigating following a possible arson attack on the Batavia replica longboat

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on New Year’s Eve after a man called emergency services to report smoke rising from the Batavia replica longboat. Geraldton police operations manager Sgt Steve Beswick said police were investigating possible damage to the vessel, pictured, but could not say it was arson. “Ten juveniles were observed on the replica boat early that afternoon,” he said. “There may be some damage. Police are investigating.” Firefighters were called to the marina just after 4pm on December 31, after a triple-0 caller said they could see smoke coming from the vessel. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson told The Geraldton Guardian two appliances from the Geraldton Fire and Rescue Service were called out but not needed. “This is a police matter,” she said. “They will investigate this as a possible arson incident.”