Hundreds of abandoned, storm-ravaged boats float along the NC coast

A dozen abandoned and derelict boats are finally being cleaned up from coastal waters in our state.

Hundreds of left behind, forgotten and storm-ravaged boats can be found all along the Carolina coast.

“We have a lot of vessels that are in our coastal waterways, on our marshes, on our islands, that become pollution hazards, environmental hazards, economic hazards because they affect recreation and navigational hazards," explains Ted Wilgis, Marine Debris Program Manager.

But the number of boats left in the water will soon be getting smaller.

“It’s a hazard and they’ve been here for a good while so a lot of property owners will be glad to get them out," says Larry Denning, Carolina Beach Harbor Master.

The North Carolina Coastal Federation, the Wildlife Resources Commission, the Division of Coastal Management, and local governments are working together with marine contractors to remove 12 abandoned and derelict vessels from the New Hanover County region.

“It’s really exciting and gives us a chance to have a really direct and meaningful impact on our coastal waters and habitats," says Wilgis.

The Coastal Federation is leading the effort after receiving state funding and money from NOAA’s marine debris program.

“It’s a lot of money that doesn’t have to come out of local governments budgets it’s fairly expensive to remove these vessels. Anywhere from about $450 per linear foot so an average sailboat can cost anywhere from $5,000- $15,000 depending on how hard they are to remove," he says.

After these 12 boats are out of the water, the Coastal Federation says they hope to remove another 40 by the end of the year. Since 2021 they have pulled out 110 boats and the Wildlife Resources Commission has removed more than 200.

Members of the public should report abandoned or derelict vessels to either the Wildlife Resources Commission or the North Carolina Coastal Federation.