While most boat owners in Bermuda are responsible, unfortunately a few are not, leading to some unsightly abandoned and derelict boats along our shores, and local officials are planning to remove 37 of them in the coming weeks.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Transport, Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] and the Department of Marine and Ports Services are advising the public that 37 abandoned and derelict boats – owners unknown – will shortly be removed from the water and disposed of.
“This is a joint programme between Government and Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] in accordance with an MOU signed by the Minister of Transport.
“The 37 ‘unknown’ abandoned and derelict vessels are located in the Riddell’s Bay, Lagoon Park, Stock’s Harbour, Marginal Wharf, St. George’s Harbour and Great Bay areas and are not only unsightly but also present a hazard to other motoring vessels.
“Government cannot currently find any characteristic names or boat registration details on these abandoned and derelict boats,” the Ministry explained.
“However, if you are the owner of any of these boats, you have 30 days from Monday 17, January 2022, to remove your vessel from its current location and relocate it to a site that does not contravene the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2002, the Marine Board Act 1962, the Marine & Ports Authority [Dumping] Regulations 1967 or any other law of Bermuda. To review the notice and list of abandoned and derelict vessels, visit gov.bm/theofficialgazette/notices/gn00862022.
“However, if you do not respond within 30 days from today, Monday 17, January 2022, your vessel may be disposed of, and if the vessel identity is subsequently determined upon recovery, then the costs incurred as a result of said disposal may be payable by you.
“For all abandoned or derelict boats where the owner is known, Government will be contacting those boat owners in due course before the boats’ removal. For more information, please contact pollutioncontrol@gov.bm.”
