Hilton Head, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island has successfully removed 11 abandoned boats from its waterways following the enactment of a new state law designed to tackle derelict vessels. This collaborative effort between local authorities and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources aims to enhance the safety and environmental quality of the area’s waterways. The law imposes stricter penalties on boat owners who abandon their vessels, significantly shortening the time frame for a boat to be classified as abandoned. Local officials stress the importance of removing derelict boats that pose hazards and environmental risks.
Hilton Head Island has successfully removed a total of 11 abandoned boats from its waterways in response to a new state law aimed at tackling the growing issue of derelict vessels. The action took place shortly after an abandoned sailboat was discovered submerged at the bottom of Broad Creek near Cross Island Boat Landing on September 10, 2025, with removal efforts scheduled for later that same day, aided by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
This recent removal marks a significant collaboration between the Town of Hilton Head, Beaufort County, and the S.C. DNR, as they join forces for the first time to cleanse local waterways of neglected vessels. County Council Member Larry McElynn has emphasized the crucial need for this initiative, which not only protects the community’s waterways but also aligns with statewide efforts to remove abandoned boats.
The new state law, Senate Bill 367, which was signed into law in May by Governor Henry McMaster, seeks to streamline the removal process for abandoned boats and enforces stricter penalties on vessel owners. Under this legislation, boat owners abandoning their vessels could face substantial fines of up to $10,000, along with a potential jail term of up to 60 days. The law now categorizes a boat as abandoned if it is left unattended for just 10 consecutive days, a significant reduction from the previous period of 45 days.
If boat owners can be identified, they are required to formulate a recovery plan within 21 days. Otherwise, the boat is declared derelict and subject to immediate removal. Prior to this law, removal efforts were largely dependent on volunteer initiatives, with local resident Russell Patterson spearheading the removal of around 20 abandoned boats over several years without official statutory power.
With the new law in effect, local governments are now equipped to act more decisively against abandoned vessels. Removal of sunken boats often necessitates the involvement of dive teams from S.C. DNR, which could incur significant costs if the vessels sink.
Officials on Hilton Head recognize that abandoned and derelict boats pose navigation hazards and environmental risks. Mayor Alan Perry acknowledged that derelict vessels not only pollute sensitive marsh environments but also threaten the safety of other boaters. The Town of Hilton Head has proactively tagged and identified abandoned boats for two years in an effort to streamline future removal processes.
In a related move, Bluffton’s town council recently voted to adopt the state definitions of abandoned and derelict boats, enhancing the coordination of vessel removal efforts across jurisdictions. Additionally, Hilton Head Island is considering the implementation of a local ordinance to bolster the existing regulations on abandoned boats, thus enhancing collaborative efforts for their removal.
The combined legislative changes and municipal initiatives aim to significantly enhance the condition of the waterways surrounding Hilton Head Island, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for both residents and visitors.
FAQ
What prompted the removal of abandoned boats in Hilton Head Island?
The removal of abandoned boats was prompted by a new state law, Senate Bill 367, which simplifies the removal process and imposes stricter penalties for abandoning vessels.
How many boats have been removed from Hilton Head’s waterways recently?
In recent days, a total of 11 abandoned boats have been removed from Hilton Head Island’s waterways.
What penalties do boat owners face under the new law?
Boat owners could face fines up to $10,000 and/or a maximum of 60 days in jail for abandoning their vessels.
What is the new definition of an abandoned boat according to the law?
An abandoned boat is now defined as a vessel left unattended for 10 consecutive days without an identifiable owner.
Key Features Of The New Boat Removal Legislation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State Law | Senate Bill 367 signed by Governor Henry McMaster in May 2025. |
| Timeframe for Abandonment | 10 consecutive days without owner identification. |
| Potential Fines | Up to $10,000 and/or 60 days in jail. |
| Collaboration | Cooperation between the Town of Hilton Head, Beaufort County, and S.C. DNR. |
| Previous Removal Initiatives | Volunteer-based efforts resulted in the removal of about 20 boats prior to the law. |
| Environmental Risks | Abandoned boats pollute marsh and pose navigation hazards. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Alarmed by Sunken Sailboat in Beaufort River
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Town of Hilton Head Makes Headway on Abandoned Boat Removal
- Wikipedia: Environmental issues in the United States
- WTOC: Nearly Dozen Abandoned Derelict Boats Removed from Hilton Head Island Waterway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waterways
- Post and Courier: Abandoned Boats Cleared from Hilton Head Waterways Under New State Law
- Google Search: Abandoned Boats Removal Hilton Head
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
