NOANK, Conn. -- A Rhode Island Marine reservist returning from Iraq was welcomed with a donated boat.

John Niekrash has spent the past 18 years lobstering off the Krasher III. When he decided to upgrade to a bigger boat, he decided to donate the Krasher III to a returning service member.

Niekrash handed the boat over to Richard Giguere in Noank on Friday. Giguere has served two tours in Iraq.

After 18 years of working in Long Island Sound, the Krasher III needed an overhaul. Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Dan Kain reported that workers at the Noank Shipyard came together, donating time, effort and expertise to repairing the boat.

Niekrash said that while it would have been nice to have the money from the sale of the Krasher III, there's no way to calculate the value of giving someone who has given so much a leg up on a career as a commercial fisherman.

Those who helped fix up the boat said they hope to make the event an annual affair and are looking for another vessel donor and another qualified veteran for next year.

The Story Behind The Krasher III Donation