Boaters – Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?

by · June 12, 2024

Derelict boat. Photo courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

After Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in the fall of 2022, the Indian River Lagoon was littered with derelict boats damaged by the storms. Local, state, and federal agencies have been removing the abandoned vessels ever since and the work continues today. Just recently in April 2024, the Brevard County Commission approved $150,000 for these removal efforts. See WESH 2 News video: Brevard County moves forward with costly, complex plan to remove abandoned boats from waterways.

Not only do abandoned or neglected vessels create navigational hazards for other boaters, but they can also have an environmental impact as well. Hazardous materials such as oil and fuel can leak from them and pose a health risk to the lagoon’s marine life.

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America supporting over 2,000 animal species. It is also an important developmental habitat for juvenile loggerhead and green sea turtles and a nursery for young manatees, dolphins, bull sharks, and many fish species.

Be Prepared

Florida FWC provides boaters with storm preparation guidelines on their website Storm Prep Resources. A short summary of these guidelines is below. Please see the FWC website for full details.

Before the Storm:

If you can, move your boat to a safe location. If you can’t move your vessel, protect it as follows:

  • If your vessel is in a marina, double all lines and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge.
  • If your boat is anchored, move it to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors.
  • If your vessel is moored, inspect chains and swivels that connect to the mooring buoy.
  • Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.

After the Storm:

Report lost or derelict boats to local law enforcement or FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-3922. Also, Florida has a Vessel Turn-In Program which allows boat owners to voluntarily surrender their vessels to the FWC so they can be removed.

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