Hoboken's Sunken Boats Gather Moss in Cove

On the west bank of the Hudson River – anchored just off the Hoboken/Weehawken coastline - lie several broken and dilapidated boats, some half-protruding from the water.

The sunken vessels in Hoboken Cove are a familiar sight to many residents, some of whom have suggested in news reports that the site may be an easy place for the owners to dump their unwanted broken boats.

But who owns them, and are they dangerous?

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an investigation of the sunken vessels on Thursday, and eventually declared that none of the boats were a source of pollution or a hazard to navigation. Due to these factors, the Coast Guard has no jurisdiction, a report stated.

The city of Hoboken is also claiming that responsibility over the boats is outside its purview, according to another news report. However, the report stated that the New Jersey State Police are currently investigating the vessels, although they have no timeline for possible action.

Municipal authorities have known about the issue of sunken ships in Hoboken Cove since at least November of 2013, according to a NJ.com report.

Do you have a photo to share or a story to tell about the sunken ships of Hoboken Cove? Send an email to eric.kiefer@patch.com