Jacksonville is to remove Monday a boat identified as an abandoned and derelict vessel, or ADV, the first under a new ordinance addressing the possible navigational and environmental hazards.
The large boat, which partially sank in the New River, was pulled ashore last spring and will be dismantled and disposed of starting at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of Capt. Bob Beck’s Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., officials announced Friday.
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“We will be removing an ADV that was pulled out of city waters last May. It is being considered the city’s pilot vessel as we begin our removal efforts,” Madison McCann, water quality technician, told Coastal Review Online.
The removal is an effort of multiple city departments. The city’s fleet services division is to be assisted in demolishing the vessel by the Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services. The streets division is to haul the debris away and the stormwater and water quality division is set to monitor the safety of the river, officials said.
“There are a total of 15 recognized ADVs in our waters but not all of them will be removed. We’re anticipating needing to remove around seven or eight vessels in the water right now. The other vessels we are working with the owners to bring into compliance with the City’s ADV ordinance,” McCann added.
During the initial assessment, 15 vessels were identified as possible ADVs, which pose navigational and environmental hazards and are a threat to private property, according to the city. Some of the boats are partially sunk and can spill oil or other chemicals into the New River. Others identified are grounded but there is a risk of the boats floating free and colliding with nearby boats or docks.
