Maritime safety advocates successfully extracted 10 derelict boats from Virginia waters during a coordinated three-day cleanup operation that ran from April 14-16. The BoatUS Foundation partnered with Lynnhaven River and TowBoatUS crews from Gwynns Island and Portsmouth to tackle the removal project in Gloucester and Portsmouth areas.
The cleanup represents part of a larger initiative targeting up to 100 abandoned vessels throughout the region. Lynnhaven River NOW spearheaded the collaborative effort, bringing together nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners to combat the mounting environmental and safety concerns created by derelict boats. The project receives backing from a 2023 grant awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program.
“Abandoned boats don’t just disappear. They become a burden on communities, the environment and local economies,” said Alanna Keating, Director of Outreach at BoatUS Foundation. “By connecting trusted partners, we are addressing the issue of ADVs and making real progress toward cleaner, safer Virginia waterways.”
The extraction of derelict vessels delivers immediate advantages for waterway health and surrounding communities. When left to deteriorate, these boats can discharge fuel into the water, create dangerous obstacles for navigation, and cause lasting harm to marine habitats and coastal areas. Successful removal operations improve safety conditions for boaters, protect natural environments, and prevent long-term ecological damage.
Two TowBoatUS operators handled the challenging removal work: Chris Parker from Gwynns Island and Donald Duck from Portsmouth. Both contractors donated considerable time and equipment while navigating the complexities of extracting vessels in various states of decay.
“Every removal is different, and often more complex than people realize,” Parker said. “Some vessels can be refloated and towed, while others need to be taken apart piece by piece. It takes time and coordination, but the impact on the community and the bay is significant once removed.”
“These boats pose real risks to navigation and safety,” Duck said. “We see how they can break free, damage property, or require emergency response. Prevention through proper insurance and responsible disposal can make a big difference.”
The BoatUS Foundation operates a comprehensive abandoned vessel program that includes the Turning the Tide Summit and maintains a national tracking database for derelict boats across the country.
Several local officials attended the cleanup activities, including Gloucester County Administrator Greg Gentry, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Zone Manager Jeff Flood, and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover.
Boaters who spot abandoned or deteriorating vessels in waterways are urged to file reports with appropriate authorities.
