The former owner of a 33ft boat that was crashed by Sid Owen has dismissed the ex-EastEnders star's claim that a 'dodgy fan belt' caused the vessel to sink. The boat currently lies submerged in Sunbury Lock at Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, following the accident on Monday, which occurred just 20 minutes after Sid was handed the keys in a Surbiton pub, according to the seller, Mark Hayes.
Dispute Over Cause
Mr Hayes alleges that Sid's business partner purchased the 'Rolling on the River' last Thursday with the intention of renting it out to day-trippers. However, sources close to the 54-year-old actor claim a mechanical fault caused the cruiser to drift into a river bank and strike a tree, tearing a hole in the hull during its maiden voyage with Sid at the helm. After the crash, Sid reportedly fled the scene, with witnesses stating he appeared worse for wear. Insiders indicate that Sid is now locked in a 'dispute' with the former owner over who will pay for the boat's removal from the Thames, potentially facing a hefty fine from the Environment Agency for abandoning a semi-submerged vessel.
Seller's Account
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Hayes placed the blame squarely on Sid. He stated: 'Sid drove the boat like an idiot, that's why it sank. He took the boat for a spin about 20 minutes after I gave him the keys after he'd been on the beers.' Mr Hayes added that he sent Sid instructional videos on operating the vessel and advised him not to attempt driving until he had watched them. 'But he clearly ignored my advice and just floored it, which forced the back of the boat to dip down and smash something in the water.'
Mr Hayes claims that after receiving a panicked call from Sid, he dispatched a mechanic who determined that the gearbox had been knocked out, causing the boat to sink. 'Sid's lied, it wasn't a dodgy fan belt, it was his dodgy driving,' Mr Hayes asserted. A representative for Sid has been contacted for comment.
Financial Details
Mr Hayes also disclosed that Sid paid £10,000 for the boat, not the originally reported £30,000, and claims to have the sales invoice and receipts to prove it. He further alleged that Sid lacked relevant driving experience, noting that the former 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' star had only previously used 'go-boats on Kingston river.' Sid purchased the boat with a business partner, intending to rent it out for day trips. An Instagram account advertising VIP tours showed photos of the vessel's interiors and mooring, with instructions to 'DM for prices and dates.'
Boat's Fate
The second-hand vessel, worth £115,000 new, is now a 'total write-off' after gradually submerging into the Thames. One witness recounted: 'There was an almighty banging noise. Next thing, the boat has run aground close to the river bank and someone was climbing out — I couldn't believe it when I realised who it was. He's very recognisable, and I just knew him straight away as Ricky from EastEnders. It looked as though he'd had a few beers — and he didn't stick around to deal with it. He was quickly on his way!'
Sid's acting career began in 1988 when he joined EastEnders, leaving in 2012 after his character broke up with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). He made guest appearances in 2022 and 2023 after a decade away, reprising his role as the mechanic before leaving again in 2023. His last acting role outside EastEnders was in the short film 'Angels And Cowboys' (2016). He has also appeared on reality shows such as Celebrity MasterChef and Channel 4's Banged Up.
