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Sung to “What Will We Do With a Drunken Sailor?”

What will we do with a sinking sailboat?
What will we do with a sinking sailboat?
What will we do with a sinking sailboat?
Earligh in the morning?

Sinking boats…who you gonna call?
John Rybczyk
06/14/17 #21525

So, Monday while walking to work, I noticed a sailboat…maybe 26 feet long…moored about 100 yards north of Boulevard Park, and it looked like it was sinking, very slowly, but sinking. The bow was about a foot above the water and the stern was completely clear of the water. Our own little Titanic. It didn't look like anybody was onboard, but I wasn't sure, so I called the coast guard before a little problem became a big problem. I reported the details, they asked for my name and number and indicated that they would look into it.

So, Wednesday, while walking to work on the same route, I noticed from a distance that the boat was gone and I'm thinking…good, someone has taken care of it. But, when I got a bit closer I saw the end of the mast, sticking about five feet out the water. No, no one “looked into it” and a boat that required a little pumping and a tow at the the most, is now a big problem, a navigation hazard and I don't even know about fuel on board or not.

Who the hell takes care of these things (other than an absent and negligent owner)? This is not the first time I've seen something like this happen. The port, the DNR, the coast guard…no one wants to take responsibility because, I think, then it WILL become their responsibility. It's one thing when a boat breaks loose and grounds during a storm, but here was a clear chance to prevent a much larger problem. The boat, at the very least now, is a navigation hazard. If that mast breaks off below the surface pleasure boats running near Boulevard park will run into in below the surface. Even if the mast stays, it will be a hazard at night. How do you even fix it now?

Ok, rant over.

Johnr

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David Scherrer
06/14/17 #21526

John,

I agree with you. Bellingham seems to be acquiring a few derelict boats. Just yesterday I did paddle over the mentioned sailboat, saw nothing below. Amazed to see mast positioned straight up! I guess none of these agencies want to deal with the expense………

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Pmarcus
06/14/17 #21527

Reach out to the DOE, they might have a contact, but personally, the Bham USCG Chief should give you an answer!! P

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jeff.hegedus@…
06/14/17 #21532

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/aquatics/recovering-derelict-vessels

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Waterman Larry
06/14/17 #21533

Abandoned boats is a national problem and costs municipalities millions.

If you see a boat sinking, save it yourself or move it to a navigation channel and then call the USCG. They will save a boat sinking or sunk in a navigational channel.

Joking

Larry Goodson