The nine derelict vessels dotting Coral Bay Harbor will be removed starting in January, the Coral Bay Community Council announced in a Thursday press release.
According to the press release, some of the vessels have been there since 1989’s Hurricane Hugo. The project also includes removing a few floating abandoned boats so they don’t become future wrecks.
After the project, there will still be a few visible wrecks that are too high on the shoreline and in the mangroves to be removed by the methods approved in the Army Corps permit. Removal of those vessels may require additional funding. Permission from the landowners will also be necessary.
The Community Council got its Army Corps permit on Oct. 19.
The vessel removal project is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Removal program. The press release doesn’t indicate the amount of the funding. The Community Council matched the funding with contributions of in-kind services and dollar contributions.
SeaTow Virgin Islands is the contractor.
The organization urged boaters to make sure they have the time, knowledge and funds to properly care for their boats, moorings and anchors, as well as complete and appropriate hurricane preparation.
Current boat owners should not sell their old boats to people who do not have the wherewithal to maintain their boats.
