Abandoned sailboat on Sanibel beach sparks neighbor concerns

SANIBEL, Fla.—A sailboat stranded on the beaches of Sanibel is causing a stir among residents along Lighthouse Way. 

Neighbors say the boat has been there for months, raising concerns about potential damage to homes and the seawall.

Michael Frazer, a resident, described the situation with a touch of humor.

"Every time it changes, it's always shocking," said Frazer. "It's like, oh, look at this. Call my wife. Look where it is today."

Frazer noted that the boat, covered in barnacles and seaweed, has been drifting around since at least October of last year. However, after a recent storm pushed it onto the shore, the boat is now too close for comfort.

"It's been mildly entertaining until then, and then now we realize, just yeah, how much damage it could do," said Frazer. "If it had come right up to our wall, I never really seemed like it was going to get that far. Then it gets pretty scary."

Eric Jackson, the public information officer for the City of Sanibel, stated that the city is aware of the issue and is collaborating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to address it.

"Our police department has been in contact with FWC," said Jackson. "They're working with them, and then FWC will work with the owner to get this removed."

FWC has been in contact with the boat's owner since November of last year and has now initiated a derelict vessel investigation. WINK News was there when an FWC officer assessed the situation and placed a notice on the boat.

Frazer expressed optimism about the eventual resolution.

"Yeah, get rid of it," said Frazer. "And they will eventually feel good that they're thinking about it now."

FWC stated that the boat's removal timeline could vary, potentially taking anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on various factors.