A MARIE Celeste-style mystery is being investigated by police after an abandoned narrow boat was found stuck on a weir in the River Severn - with only the owner's cat on board.

The boat's owner, Clinton John Taylor, from Slimbridge, has not been seen since the boat was reported stranded close to Gloucester docks last weekend.

He was formally reported missing by his mother on February 26 after police, who had been alerted to the abandoned boat, contacted her to ask where her son was. Police confirmed that Mr Taylor, 54, who has brothers and sisters, was supposed to have been on board the boat that day.

Kate Nelmes, of Gloucestershire police, said the incident had started at 6pm on Saturday, February 26 when police were informed of a narrow boat drifting at Gloucester Docks.

Police informed the fire service, which launched a water craft to get to the boat at Llanthony Bridge and discovered there was no-one on board.

The boat was also found to be resting on a weir ledge so the Severn Area Rescue Association was called in to deal with moving the craft and a crane was used to lift it clear.

The boat was then towed to the docks where a cat was discovered on board. Miss Nelmes confirmed that police had spoken to the family who could not tell them of Mr Taylor's whereabouts and he has been formally reported as a missing person.

Police say they are concerned for Mr Taylor's welfare and are trying to locate him.

Miss Nelmes said there was nothing at the moment to suggest that he was depressed.

Mr Taylor is described as white, 5ft 1in tall, clean-shaven, of slight build, with dark brown hair and a West Country accent.