THE skipper of a boat which ran aground on the beach at Prestonpans, amid claims it was struck by a whale or a submarine, has been ordered to remove it by the end of the month.

The Reaper II ran aground late last month after suffering damage off the town’s coastline.

Its owner Carl Ramsay claims it was struck by a submarine or a whale as he began a planned journey from Scotland to Turkey to refurbish the 45ft vessel.

However, the crew’s decision to camp at the site of the stricken vessel has led to concern from members of the local community as the area, to some, became an eyesore with old furniture and rubbish appearing there.

Now Forth Ports has told Mr Ramsay he has until the end of the month to remove the stricken vessel from the beach or it will take it away.

Prestonpans Community Council said it had been contacted by a number of residents concerned about the state both of the boat and the campsite, as well as concerns about campervans parking nearby at the parking area by the boatyard.

They called on East Lothian Council to take action amid growing concern about the site.

Mr Ramsay said he had been taking the vessel to Turkey, where he believed he could restore it more cheaply than in the UK, when catastrophe struck.

He said: “About four-and-a-half miles north-northeast of Prestonpans something struck me from the rear and lifted me out of the water and gave me a substantial beating.

“Only a submarine or a whale could do that. Those are the only two things that could lift you out of the water.

“We were frightened for our lives and it was a relief when we got to the rocks.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it had received no report of underwater activity in connection with the Reaper II sustaining damage.

East Lothian Council said it was working with Mr Ramsay to have the boat removed.

A spokesperson said: “Forth Ports have informed the skipper that the boat must be removed by the end of the month, otherwise they may remove it themselves as they have the statutory power to do so.

“We will continue to liaise with the skipper on environmental health and community safety grounds to ensure the safety of our environment and the general public and the skipper’s own welfare.”

Meanwhile, Police Scotland has confirmed it is investigating a report of threatening behaviour at the site on Monday.