Vandals attack new $17,000 statue of St Peter at marina

A NEW statue to watch over Hervey Bay boaties and paying tribute to those lost at sea has been vandalised.

Saint Peter has stood on the trawler wall of Urangan harbour after being unveiled on August 3.

The project was the brainchild of Nick Schulz, who operates Urangan Fisheries and Schulz Fisheries, and who trademarked and promoted Hervey Bay scallops.

Schulz Fisheries operations manager Rob McLachlan said it was disappointing.

"It's pretty devastating for the families - the plaque is gone," he said.

A police spokeswoman said the incident was being investigated.

Officers would attempt today to access and review CCTV footage.

It is believed the damage happened on Wednesday night.

Mr McLachlan also noticed the nuts holding the statue in place were missing.

"I'd say they've tried to steal it or push it over."

The statue had been in planning for about two years, with the 1.8m cast of the patron saint of fishermen.

Saint Peter was one of 12 apostles chosen by Jesus from his first disciples and was originally a fisherman.