PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – If you crossed the Hathaway Bridge recently and looked out over St. Andrews Bay, you may have noticed a half-sunken boat – an abandoned vessel, as it is officially called. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been notified of the vessel and has launched an investigation.

FWC Officer Christopher Boley of the Division of Law Enforcement explains that an abandoned vessel is not simply a sunken boat. “Abandoned vessels are an ongoing problem throughout the state. A vessel can be considered abandoned even if it is still floating, as long as it meets the legal definition,” Boley said.

While the FWC cannot comment on this specific vessel due to the ongoing investigation, Officer Boley explained the general procedure when a wreck is reported. “Our officers will do everything in their power to find the owner and work with them to either remove the vessel from state waters or recover it from its wrecked condition while it is still in the water.”

If the owner does not remove the vessel or remedy its condition, the FWC will step in. “Once the investigation and due process are complete, if the owner has not removed the vessel themselves, the FWC will remove it. Owners will be financially responsible for removal,” Boley added.

Officer Boley advises anyone who comes across an abandoned vessel not to touch it. “These vessels you see with a wreck sticker are part of an ongoing investigation. You are not allowed to board them or take anything from them. This is not the pirate high seas – they are other people’s property and you are not allowed to touch them while they are part of an ongoing investigation.”

If you spot an abandoned vessel, it is best to report it to the FWC and leave it alone.

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