9 beached boats are stuck in the mud along Beaufort River. How long will they be there?
When surveying the shoreline of the Beaufort River along Bay Street in Beaufort these days, images of the beached S.S. Minnow from the 1960s TV hit Gilligan’s Island comes to mind.
Several boats, lying on their sides, are stuck in the muddy marsh between the river and Bay Street.
Tropical Storm Helene ran the vessels, most of them sailboats, aground there on Sept. 27.
A big question residents are asking is when the boats will be removed from what may be the prettiest view in the city.
Councilman Neil Lipsitz says he’s received several calls from residents who are curious about the future of the boats. “They’re wondering if it’s a long-term thing or what,” Lipsitz said.
Nine boats broke from their moorings during the tropical storm and ended up beached in the marsh. Eight of those vessels were moored in the city marina.
City Manager Scott Marshall said he’s not sure how long the boats will remain beached but at least a few of them likely will be removed Oct. 16-21, when king tides, the exceptionally high tides that occur during a new or full moon, are expected. He also noted that the city is aware of the names of the owners, which makes it less likely that the vessels will be abandoned.
“I think we’re going to have pretty quick action in getting them removed,” Marshall said.
This story was originally published October 11, 2024 at 8:35 AM.
