Bluffton, SC, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Bluffton Town Council has adopted new definitions for ‘abandoned’ and ‘derelict’ boats as part of a regional initiative to enhance the removal of these vessels from local waterways. This effort involves collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and neighboring jurisdictions to streamline the process. With eight boats reported washed up in Bluffton over the past year, the ordinance aims to effectively address marine debris and ensure better coordination for removal efforts. There is no expected budget impact for the town as responsibilities shift towards identification and emergency legal processes.
Bluffton, South Carolina – The Bluffton Town Council has adopted new state definitions to enhance efforts for the removal of abandoned and derelict boats from local waterways. This initiative comes as part of a collaborative effort involving the town, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and nearby jurisdictions to effectively address the issue of shipwrecked, abandoned, or deserted vessels in the region.
Previously, the town had to contact SCDNR for assistance in removing abandoned vessels that would occasionally float into the Lowcountry’s waterways. However, following a meeting organized by SCDNR last year, officials from various Lowcountry jurisdictions have been working together to streamline boat removal efforts.
A new law recently enacted in South Carolina requires local jurisdictions to adopt definitions of “abandoned” and “derelict” boats. The Bluffton Town Council approved the final reading of an ordinance adopting these definitions this month. This adoption allows Bluffton to coordinate effectively with Beaufort County, Hilton Head Island, and SCDNR in the removal of shipwrecked vessels from local waters.
During the past year, around eight boats were reported washed up in Bluffton waterways. Notable examples include the “Southern Belle” from Louisville, Kentucky, and “Precious” from Wilmington, North Carolina. Heather Colin, assistant town manager for planning and projects, noted that there may have been more abandoned boats since these incidents were reported.
Despite the implementation of this ordinance, there is no expected budgetary impact for the town, according to Colin. Bluffton’s responsibilities will now involve assisting in identifying abandoned vessels and participating in the legal processes necessary for their removal, especially in emergencies.
According to the new state law, an “abandoned” boat is defined as a “wrecked or junked” vessel without a visible identifier that remains in state waters or on public property for at least ten days after notification. Conversely, a “derelict” vessel is one that has a visible identifier and stays in the waters for at least 21 days after receiving notice.
By adopting these state definitions, Bluffton is now positioned to aid local jurisdictions in collaborating with SCDNR to deal with these issues effectively. The town’s next steps will include working with Beaufort County, SCDNR, and potentially Hilton Head Island to establish specific processes for the removal of abandoned boats.
As part of this initiative, Bluffton will be tasked with tagging the boats, while SCDNR will manage their removal. The town manager, Stephen Steese, emphasized the significance of the adoption, noting that some boats are located near jurisdictional boundaries, reducing the risk of vessels merely drifting across the river to evade removal.
The newly enacted state law, signed by Governor Henry McMaster in May, categorizes junked boats as public nuisances, provides definitions for both abandoned and derelict vessels, and outlines processes for removal along with associated penalties.
FAQ
What actions are Bluffton Town Council taking regarding abandoned and derelict boats?
The Bluffton Town Council has adopted new state definitions for abandoned and derelict boats to coordinate their removal from local waterways, involving SCDNR and other local jurisdictions.
What is the definition of ‘abandoned’ and ‘derelict’ boats according to the new law?
An ‘abandoned’ boat is defined as a wrecked or junked vessel without a visible identifier, present in state waters for at least ten days after notice. A ‘derelict’ vessel has a visible identifier and remains in the waters for at least 21 days after notice.
What are the next steps for Bluffton in addressing abandoned boats?
Bluffton plans to coordinate with Beaufort County, SCDNR, and potentially Hilton Head Island to establish processes for the removal of abandoned boats.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Adoption of State Definitions | The Bluffton Town Council has adopted new definitions for ‘abandoned’ and ‘derelict’ boats to streamline removal efforts. |
| Collaboration Partners | Efforts will involve coordination with Beaufort County, Hilton Head Island, and SCDNR. |
| Reported Boats | Last year, eight boats reported washed up in Bluffton waterways. |
| No Budgetary Impact | Adoption of the ordinance is not expected to impact the town’s budget. |
| Next Steps | Bluffton will help identify abandoned vessels and establish removal processes with partners. |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Abandoned Boat Ordinance
- Wikipedia: Abandoned Boats
- Island Packet: Local News Article
- Google Search: Bluffton boat removal initiatives
- Bluffton Today: May River Cleanup
- Google Scholar: Removal of Abandoned Boats
- WSAV: Little Blue Boat in Bluffton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Law
- Island Packet: Local News Article
- Google News: Bluffton Town Council Abandoned Boats
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
