PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Neighbors are voicing their concern about an abandoned sailboat which has been leaning against the barrier of Crawford Parkway since early March, with no owner in site.
Currently, there is no sail attached to the mast, and the interior below deck is filling with water. Some have even started posting business ads to the mast.
Mike Provost, executive director of the Virginia Beach based Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation, said these abandoned and derelict ships pose a legitimate danger to our waterways.
10 On Your Side has spent the past few years tracking derelict vessels, and even managed to help Provost find some.
According to Provost, in order to get rid of the derelict vessels, they first need to track down and contact whoever owns the boat and then get their permission.
Relying on donations, it can cost a few thousand dollars to remove a sinking boat. If the boat is underwater, the price could cost more than $10,000 to remove.
Provost estimates there are about 150 sunken boats in the Commonwealth, with at least 27 known to be in Hampton Roads.
“Virginia is home for me and my family. We love our waterways,” Provost said. “We have incredible resort waterways here in Virginia Beach, and we’re determined to protect them. When a vessel sinks, it releases oil, hazardous fluids, gas and microplastics into the waterway. It’s not good for me or my kids. It’s not good for the marine life.”
Provost said his group has removed at least 43 vessels so far. Anyone who notices one should contact their local maritime authorities.
For more information on Provost’s group, visit the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation’s website here.