Boat removal starts in Sea Cows

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma littered the territory’s waters with wrecked boats — many of which remain more than eight years later.

Now, a four-month project is under way to remove 28 derelict vessels from Sea Cows Bay Harbour, according to the Recovery and Development Agency.

The project launch follows a Nov. 17 ceremony where a $854,633.43 contract was signed with a joint venture of Sandwise Ltd. and Commercial Dive Services Ltd., the RDA said in a Monday statement.

“This project marks a significant step forward toward improving maritime safety, restoring the natural marine environment, and enhancing the visual and ecological quality of a marine shelter and one of the territory’s key coastal areas,” the statement noted.

Removal works are scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. daily, with operations ongoing on the water and along the shoreline.

The removal process will involve extracting vessels from the harbour, transporting them to a loading site in Sea Cows Bay, and breaking them down into separate waste streams at a designated staging site in Pockwood Pond, the RDA said.

As part of that process, the materials will be separated into metal, plastics, wood and fibreglass.

“The public is kindly asked to exercise caution in the area, as some vessels will be brought ashore for removal,” the statement warned. “Residents and motorists are advised to stay clear of large heavy machinery and follow all directional and safety signage.”

Environment

RDA CEO Anthony McMaster said the launch reflects the government’s commitment to responsible marine management.

“The removal of derelict vessels is essential for safe navigation, environmental protection and the overall resilience of our coastal infrastructure,” he said. “We are pleased that this project is now under way and that it is being delivered by local expertise through this joint venture.”

Water quality

Besides addressing longstanding safety hazards, the removal also aims to contribute to environmental restoration as “debris and pollutants associated with abandoned vessels can pose risks to marine life and water quality,” the RDA stated.