Reporting a derelict vessel

S

SLW

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3-4 years ago, an apx 30' sloop dropped anchor between the Tuttle Causeway and the BayPoint neighborhood (north of downtown Miami). She appeared to cared for, appearing to be clean and sporting a later-model dinghy engine mounted to the aft rail, several gas cans lashed to the foredeck a bimini and sail cover etc.

She's looking sad now. The engine was taken quickly, then the companionway was left open, then the fuel left, and a few weeks ago I had the privilege of watching two guys in a whaler board her and steal the mainsail cover.

I can't tell for sure, but I think she's sitting lower in the water than she used to and I'm concerned that she'll sink there.

From a quick internet search, it looks like I need to place a call to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Before doing so, I wanted to see if anyone has any experience reporting a derelict. Is it worth my while to gather as much info as possible, or do I just call and complain?
 
dont' expect much. there are about 20 or 30 dereclicts here in the Grove, some have big yellow or red warning stickers on them but no $$ to get them out.

for the past couple of months there has been a 30ish Chris Craft express, late 80s vintage, but originally in good shape beached on a sandbar between the spoil islands. hailing port in NY state, had nice canvas, clean outdrives, etc... high and dry at low tide. could have been stolen but doens't appear stripped. just sitting there, city/state doesn't care.
 
From my experience up in my area, you can report it but don't expect anything to be done about it. I know of 5-6 abandoned sail boats, stripped clean, hook dropped and left, that have been in place for 5+ years. They have been reported repeatedly.

Today, they are still there.

Bob
 
WOW are there any Trojans out there I could always use some spare parts.

Honestly I find this sad they were probably stripped by the owners then taken as far from there home port as they could and reported as stolen. I bet if you could find out the insurance company they might be interested in claiming there property. I think I read an article about people ditching there boats not even for the insurance money if any but simply to get rid of them and not pay for storage.

Very sad
 
bummer. I was hoping that because she's still floating, that there may be a decent chance to have to towed away, but it doesn't sound like it...
 
<< crank up outboard, prepare to stir vigorously >>

I wonder. If it is derelict, can you salvage it? Do you nee court docs? Or other docs?
 
Salvage what? At this point it's just a hull with any of the valuable parts stolen and anything else rusted. You could take the hull id and try an internet search - who knows, you might find the owner. On one hand it would be nice to move it closer to land to keep the waterway clear but on the other hand someone might get pi$$ed at you for leaving it in "their" view and cause you trouble. The bottom line is who is going to pay for the tow, haul-out, and disposal? I guess eventually it will be you and I via our tax dollars.
 
Makes one wonder what happened to the owner...
 
An update:

She recently came ashore at Stearns Park, and it didn't take long before she attracted attention. The authorities made a visit the other day. They made a quick inspection, took some notes and left. Shortly after, SeaTow arrived, and after a brief pull, they freed her and towed her north up the ICW.

I actually kind of miss her! "Beer Me" aka, "The Ghost Boat" provided a lot of entertainment and discussions over the years...
beerme.jpg
 
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