A massive 31-foot sailboat, stranded in the mangroves at Bunche Beach, is turning heads. The red notice on its hull, posted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, orders the owner to remove it.
Our coasts are still riddled with boats months after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it has removed 214 of these derelict vessels through contractors, and owners and insurers have handled another 189.
With the abandoned sailboat's towering mast rising above the mangroves, it's caught the attention of locals and visitors at Bunche Beach.
Gage Hamm, visiting with his family to escape the snow, spent some time exploring it.
“I didn’t expect to see so many boats out here in the sand because normally they’re out in the water,” Hamm said.
Local resident Zachary Jolly also stopped to take a look.
“This is crazy over here. We have boats that are still in the mangroves from probably years ago. And, just wondering when they're going to be cleaned up,” he said.
The posted warning indicates the sailboat has been there since at least November — possibly longer.
“It’s sad. It’s really sad,” Jolly said. “I mean, this place used to be so vibrant and beautiful. I don’t see that as much when I drive around now. And it’s kind of disheartening. I’d like to see maybe a little bit more government funding to help rebuild a lot of these structures and get these boats and people’s, you know, belongings out of the mangroves.”
FWC is urging boat owners to apply for the vessel turn-in Program to prevent more derelict vessels. The program allows owners who have received citations or warnings to have their boats removed and destroyed at no cost.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Owners must provide proof of title, any citations, a signed waiver, and photos of the vessel.
FWC notifies applicants if they’re approved or denied.
For more details, visit FWC's website .