Hurricane Helene sunk a 30 to 40-foot-long derelict boat in the Charlotte Harbor.
Sailors said the boat, named Miss Patricia, has been sinking and leaking fuel for in the middle of the Charlotte Harbor for weeks. Hurricane Helene finished the job.
Surprisingly, while other boats were tossed ashore, Miss Patricia stayed put and only sunk. Unfortunately, she continues to leak fuel into the harbor, posing a threat to the local environment.
Leon Moyer said, "We had 10 to 15-foot waves during the hurricane. It’s amazing that it didn’t get pushed around or end up on the beach."
Moyer shared his concerns not only for the environment but also for the safety of other boaters. The oil booms placed around the vessel to contain the fuel leaks haven’t worked effectively, and the boat remains a hazard in the middle of a busy waterway.
"They should legally put a flashing light on that for nighttime avoidance," Moyer said, highlighting the potential danger to other boats navigating the harbor.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission declared Miss Patricia a derelict vessel prior to Hurricane Helene. NBC2 reached out to them to ask when the boat would be removed.
Moyer expressed frustration with the slow response from authorities.
"It’s amazing that somebody doesn’t do something more quickly," he said. "Our government is, in my opinion, a little derelict in their duties to do public service."