An abandoned boat near Lanier Islands has been removed.
In late January, the Lake Lanier Association removed an abandoned boat from the shores of Lake Lanier. Located on the south side of the lake near Lanier Islands, the vessel was partially submerged.
It had been abandoned on the shore for several months. Once it was removed, it was relocated to Aqualand Marina where it is being held to determine the boat’s ownership before further action is taken.
The association’s Abandoned Boats and Derelict Docks initiative began in 2014. “One of the reasons it’s so important to remove these boats is that they are hazards to the lake and wildlife,” said Victoria Clevenger, executive director of the organization. “The gasoline and oil can leak into the lake or seep into the shores, plus the longer they remain, the more likely they are to deteriorate and to cause safety issues.”
The association has worked with the Corps of Engineers, the Department of Natural Resources, law enforcement and the Hall and Forsyth County Solicitors to create procedures to deal with abandoned boats and docks. A process has been formalized to attempt to locate the owners of these vessels and seek reparations and legal actions to get them to pay the costs of removing them.
Several community businesses have assisted in the program. Companies like Marine Specialties Inc., Cato Marine, RPM and TowBoatUS have brought their expertise to the projects, as well as providing equipment and manpower to ensure that the boats are removed safely.
“We rely on the community to notify us of any abandoned boats or docks in severe disrepair,” Clevenger said. “Everyone can be part of the process to maintain a clean, full and safe lake.”
For more information, visit www.lakelanier.org or call 770 744-4547.
Photo: courtesy of LLA
