24-05-2025
Lynnhaven River Now targeting derelict vessels for removal
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Efforts have been ongoing for years to clean up our region's waterways by removing abandoned and derelict vessels.
10 on Your Side has reported extensively on efforts by Mike Provost's Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation, and Lynnhaven River Now has joined the effort and is using federal funds to carry out the same type of cleanup.
With $2.9 million of federal funding, Lynnhaven River Now has targeted 35 vessels, including the 'Carrie Anne.' They include some of the 11 vessels that are along the shores of Navy property in Willoughby Bay.
'They're vessels that the owner didn't have the means to maintain and found themselves in a situation where they had no other option and walked away,' said Lynnhaven River Now restoration manager Vince Bowhers.
'It is a hazard to navigation because people coming in and out of this boat ramp have to go around it now,' Bowhers said. 'It's not lit at night. It is a danger.'
Bowhers points out the airbags will help get the starboard or right side of the vessel out of the water.
'They want to get the starboard side up, so that then, they have the complete hull above water, and then they can start pumping water out of that bathtub full of water. … Once they get the rest of the water out, they will check the hull integrity, and I'm glad it floated quickly because that indicates it is not taking on water. … 'I'm happy to see how well it went, and happy to see that it will be properly disposed of instead of sitting out here for years.'
Some of those abandoned vessels are like some we saw at the nearby Willoughby Marina that could be auctioned off.
Bowhers wants to use some of the leftover federal funds to stop those sales before they happen.
'So, before somebody buys a vessel for $200, thinking they're going to be able to fix it up. let's get it when it shouldn't be sold,' Bowhers said. 'It shouldn't be transferred to someone who can't handle it and will likely abandon it.'
Kelly Pearson came out pleased with the 'Carrie Anne' floating away.
'A junky boat sitting there, 'Oh my God, why would someone do this?' We've had multiple boats here a long time sitting in the water polluting the water,' Pearson said.
The 'Carrie Anne' is the third boat to be scrapped so far. There are 32 left to go.
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