News Summary

After being stranded for seven months, several beached sailboats were successfully removed from the Beaufort River shoreline. The operation drew local spectators and addressed concerns from homeowners and city officials. Taxpayers partially funded the removal, which was facilitated by O’Quinn Marine, facing challenges posed by muddy shallows. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will dispose of the boats, which had been blocking views since before Tropical Storm Helene. This incident highlights the persistent issue of abandoned vessels in South Carolina waterways and calls for legislative improvements.

Beaufort River Sees Extrication of Beached Sailboats After Seven Months

Several beached sailboats have been successfully removed from the Beaufort River shoreline, drawing local spectators over the past two days. These vessels had been aground for seven months, causing irritation for homeowners and city officials alike.

• Funding: Taxpayers are covering the cost for the removal of two of the five boats.
• Contractor: O’Quinn Marine, the contractor responsible for the extrication, faced difficulties with muddy shallows during the operation.
• Public interest: Onlookers gathered with lawn chairs on a bluff to watch the removal process on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The operation began at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday, utilizing a barge and a large crane to assist in extracting the larger vessels. High tide, occurring at 6 p.m. on the same day, facilitated the removal of smaller boats using a push boat.

• Results: By Thursday evening, four out of the five boats had been successfully extracted.
• Preparation: The barge was positioned several feet from the shore, and boats were secured with ropes for safe extraction.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will dispose of the removed boats at a landfill. The boats had been stranded since Tropical Storm Helene made landfall in September, blocking local views.

Abandoned vessels are a persistent problem in South Carolina waterways, and current laws necessitate a lengthy investigation to classify a boat as abandoned, complicating removal efforts. The DNR is currently supporting a new bill aimed at streamlining this process.

• Costs: Duncan O’Quinn is set to receive $20,000 from the city of Beaufort for the removal of the larger boats.
• Volunteerism: O’Quinn Marine has been assisting the DNR pro bono for the past eight years with abandoned boat removals.
• Community support: O’Quinn noted a lack of support from other community members, despite having the necessary equipment to assist in these efforts.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort Sailboat Declared Public Hazard After Sinking
Bluffton Initiates Construction on Emergency Department and Health Place
Beaufort County Investigation Ends with No Clear Findings
Beaufort Residents Struggle with Abandoned Sailboats Post-Tropical Storm

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Beaufort River Sees Extrication of Beached Sailboats After Seven Months
• Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
• WSAV: Beaufort Clears Boats Beached by Hurricane Helene
• Google Search: Beaufort River sailboats
• Your Island News: BYSC Hosts 57th Annual Lowcountry Regatta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Boats
• Island Packet: Beaufort News Update
• Google News: Abandoned boats South Carolina