County in North Carolina begins tackling abandoned boat matter

BOLIVIA, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina county has begun its effort to rid its waterways of abandoned boats.

The StarNews of Wilmington reported Brunswick County commissioners adopted an ordinance last year addressing the problem. The Sheriff’s office has posted warnings on boats believed to be abandoned and tracking down the owners.

Maj. Tommy Tolley said the Sheriff’s office is trying to work with the boat owners, but they haven’t put forth an effort to save the boats.

The Sheriff’s office, in late April, held an auction for a 1981 Catalina sailboat and a 1976 AMF Paceship. Authorities couldn’t reach the owners, making them the first to go up for auction. No one showed up to bid on the boats, so they were hauled away to the county landfill, where they will be destroyed.