SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Delta Explorer, Blakeley State Park’s tour boat that was disabled last week, will be back on its regular schedule of public and chartered tours beginning March 12.

“Thanks to a lot of helpful people, we have replaced the essential equipment and it looks like we are good to go on our Saturday afternoon walk-on tour”, said Jo Ann Flirt, park director.

People entering from the river last week stole cowlings and propellers from the boat’s two outboard motors, batteries, marine radio, speakers and other electronic equipment used in narrating the tour, fire extinguishers and other items, park officials said.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Marine Police of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources are investigating the theft.

Blakeley Park has offered a $500 cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen equipment.

Saturday’s tour begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, $12 for children 6 to 12 and free to children 4 to 5. For more information or to reserve tickets call 251-626-5581. For charter information call 251-626-0798.

The next scheduled public tour is a St. Patrick’s Day tour and lunch March 17. The tour leaves the park at 10 a.m., arrives at the Blue Gill on the causeway for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and after an hour’s lunch returns to the park. Tickets are $35 a person including lunch. For more information call 626-5581.

Blakeley Park is located on State Highway 225 about 4.5 miles north of Spanish Fort. The park is open daily and holidays to day visitors and primitive and RV camping. Boat tours are conducted periodically.