by Douglas Gould on April 5, 2011
somehow, this post got stuck in the drafts folder back in February…
Tougher stand needed against derelict vessels – North Kitsap Herald.
Lacking local government’s involvement, DNR will contract with a salvage company for derelict boat removal. But a salvage company, by law, can act only if a vessel is sinking or blocking navigation channels. By that time, it can be too late.
HUH? Any local towers up there in Washington state want to call the paper and correct this?
The burden is on local taxpayers instead of where it should be: the boat owner who abandons a boat or allows it to become at risk of sinking and becoming a hazard to the environment as well as a hazard to navigation.
That’s what I’m talking about! The burden should be on the boat owner, and it should be enforced under threat of criminal action.
by Douglas Gould on April 3, 2011
Bill targeting abandoned boats moves through Legislature.
The agency has said there are about 200 abandoned, deteriorating boats sitting abandoned in state waters at any given time, and the numbers haven’t declined despite increased efforts to remove more.
The bill was aimed at getting more help from local governments in clearing away derelict vessels. DNR had told lawmakers some cities and counties were reluctant to help remove vessels out of fear for their own liability, something the measure is designed to correct.
Among other things, the bill says local governments or marinas that pay to have boats removed are not liable for damages unless the work results in “gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.” It also says ports can be reimbursed by the state for up to 90 percent of removal costs.
hat tip: BitterEnd
