News Summary
Samuel Kodaimati has been arrested for abandoning a former U.S. Navy torpedo vessel in Bohicket Creek, marking the first enforcement of South Carolina’s new abandoned boat law. The decommissioned 120-foot vessel, which has posed significant environmental risks since 2021, led to charges against Kodaimati amounting to $43,400 in fines. The Coast Guard had previously removed hazardous materials from the boat, highlighting the growing issue of abandoned vessels in the state’s waterways and the need for responsible ownership.
Johns Island, South Carolina – Samuel Kodaimati was arrested by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for abandoning a decommissioned 120-foot former U.S. Navy torpedo vessel in Bohicket Creek. This marks the first arrest under the state’s recently enacted abandoned boat law, which went into effect on May 8, 2025.
The vessel, which has been grounded in the marsh near a private dock close to Johns Island since 2021, poses significant environmental risks to the local ecosystem. Kodaimati faces two charges linked to the abandonment, with potential fines and court costs totaling $43,400 – specifically, $21,700 for each charge. In addition to the fines, he could face potential imprisonment for violating the regulations outlined in the new legislation.
The Coast Guard had previously issued a Captain of the Port Order, rendering the vessel inoperable due to improper documentation. In late 2024, the Coast Guard was forced to remove approximately 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the vessel after it was deemed an environmental hazard. The abandoned vessel has been identified as a risk to the surrounding marsh ecosystem, critical for fish, shellfish, shorebirds, and overall water quality.
According to officials from SCDNR and the Coast Guard, abandoned and derelict vessels are an increasing issue in South Carolina’s waterways, presenting both environmental and navigational dangers. The state has been proactive in tackling abandoned boats, as seen in previous efforts undertaken in the towns of Port Royal and Beaufort.
In an intriguing aspect of this case, it was noted that the boat was purchased at auction for $81,600 from the General Services Administration (GSA) on March 12, 2021. This highlights how private parties can buy military vessels through federal auctions, but this vessel is the first of its kind to be formally dealt with in this area recently, making it an exceptional case for local authorities.
President of the SCDNR, Thomas Mullikin, expressed the agency’s commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring accountability for those who jeopardize them. The ongoing investigation into the situation surrounding the abandoned vessel aims to further address the issues posed by such derelict ships in the region.
The passage of the new abandoned boat law emphasizes the state’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of its waterways and safeguarding the natural environment from the detrimental effects of ignored vessels. Violations of this law could result in stringent consequences, as seen in the case of Kodaimati. The SCDNR, along with the Coast Guard and other entities, continues to work collaboratively to mitigate the problems arising from abandoned boats, emphasizing the importance of responsible ownership and adherence to environmental regulations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Storm Helene Causes Major Damage in Beaufort County
Community Alarmed by Sunken Sailboat in Beaufort River
Additional Resources
- Count On 2 News
- Wikipedia: Abandoned boats
- Island Packet
- Google Search: abandoned boats South Carolina
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: abandoned boats environmental impact
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: abandoned boats
- Post and Courier
- Google News: derelict boats Charleston waterways
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.
