Ed Mayne, spokesman for Oxford University, said that “Attacking one of the poorest boatclubs in Oxford certainly isn’t going to help them” A posting to Bite Back said "We are stronger than you, we have more resolve than you and we never give up". The group targeted the boathouse because of apparent ties to Oxford University. Upon investigation the cause of the fire was attributed to incendiary devices which had been placed in the Eight's bays. The fire caused 26 boats in total to become unusable which were part of St Hilda’s, St Catherine’s, Hertford, Mansfield and St Benet’s Hall boats and boat clubs.