A harbour has put a boat owned by a man dubbed ‘Captain Calamity’ up for sale to recoup the costs of rescuing him ten times.

The man was given the nickname after being rescued five times in a week in Sussex in September last year.

He needed rescuing three times in Littlehampton, once in Ferring, near Worthing and once in Seaford.

He also needed rescuing five times elsewhere in the country, including in Poole, Studland, Swanage and Sidmouth.

His boat was eventually abandoned in Littlehampton, where it has rested since.

It cost Littlehampton Harbour £700 to crane and drag the 6.4m (21ft) bilge keel called Albatross – which can mean a “psychological burden that feels like a curse” – ashore.

Now it has been impounded.

In a statement the harbour said: “It has been impounded by the Littlehampton Harbour Board under Section 57 Harbours Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 as unfit for sea service.

“An MCA detention notice has also been served. To cover costs incurred by the Harbour Board sealed bids in excess of £200 may be submitted to the harbour office by Friday, February 7.”

Harbour master Billy Johnson said he had been in contact with the owner who had no desire to reclaim the boat.“We are entitled to sell it,” he said.

“The boat should be worth about £2,000 but it needs work. It is a project.

“We would welcome people to come down and have a look.”

He said there had already been some bids.

To view the boat and associated notices contact the harbour office during working hours on 01903 721 215.