New Database to Help Reduce At-Risk and Derelict Vessels

If you look out over the Boca Ciega Bay in Gulfport you may see several boats that were possibly abandoned. They are called derelict vessels and some are anchored in place, while others have floated to shore.

Harbormaster Denis Frain says it’s been a problem for years. Frain says deserted boats became more apparent 7 or 8 years ago when the began to fill up. "When we had 100% occupancy and a two year waiting list to get in, we found people anchoring them off shore off of Gulfport.”

Frain says just one week ago, they pulled a boat called "Salt Walter" out of the bay. "The police department ran the [vessel's] fl numbers, we could not find an owner. . .  it was right next to the channel, it’s a navigation hazard," Frain said. Sgt. Burkhart with the says they eventually found that the owner passed away.

Currently, the Gulfport Police Department is working to find the owner of a white vessel tied to the dock by the US Coast Guard Auxillary Flotilla 7-16, 3120 Miriam Street S. But this time, the work is more streamlined and readily available statewide. Just yesterday on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, the Gulfport Police Department and other city leaders received training for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s derelict vessel statewide database. 

Gulfport Harbormaster Denis Frain learned of the program when it first launched last fall and says the database is "a long time coming." Frain says the program could help officials track down owners of at-risk vessels before they become derelict. “That’s the key thing is the at-risk boats, we want to get these vessels before they sink, before they wash up on our beaches and shores."

"The program will enable law enforcement to properly document derelict vessels. The goal is to either have the vessel come into compliance or be removed from waters for several reasons," Sgt. Robert Burkhart said.

Burkhart said two main reasons for removing a derelict boat include: a negative impact on the bay's environment and/or hazard to navigation in the bay.

Under the new derelict vessel database program, local officers will document the vessel found, it's condition, it's impact on the environment, impact on navigation of other boats and other information. The file is entered in the new statewide database. This informs the officer if the case is already being looked into by another agency or not. After an officer fills out a report, complete with photos, the file is approved by a Sergeant and then Lieutenant at the Gulfport Police Department before being deemed derelict. During this time of discovery and information gathering, the officer has two notices that can be posted to the vessel to notify the owner. A yellow notice means the owner has an opportunity to come to compliance. A red notice means the boat is derelict and will be taken out of the water. 

According to the FWC website, the program allows officials to consolidate evidence for future cases as well as establish proof of communication with vessel owners before going to court.

"We hope this program will reduce and minimize the derelict vessel problem in our state, making our waterways safer and cleaner for the future," said Lt. Darrin Riley, statewide derelict vessel coordinator, in a news release.

Gulfport Operations Commander Howard Coombs says the new system will help streamline the process, "Just the fact that the FWC [is] really taking an interest in what the counties and municipalities are facing. . . boat owners who choose to be responsible know what to do." This program will help officials narrow in on those who aren't taking care of their boats.

Those who attended the FWC derelict training on Tuesday May 17, 2011, include:

• Operations Commander Howard Coombs
• Sgt. Robert Burkhart
• Sgt. Thomas Woodman
• Detective Hahn Pham
• Officer David Cavanah
• Officer Jesse Kellington
• City Manager Jim O'Reilly
• City Attorney Andrew Salzman
• Vice Mayor David Hastings
• Council Member Jennifer Salmon