October 21, 2025

Bluffton Council Adopts Ordinance for Abandoned Boats

Bluffton, October 21, 2025

News Summary

The Bluffton Town Council has adopted a new ordinance to tackle the issue of abandoned and derelict boats in local waterways. This ordinance allows for collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for efficient removal of these vessels. Under the ordinance, the town will report any abandoned boats to SCDNR, which will handle the removal process, ensuring the safety and accessibility of Bluffton’s waterways for residents and visitors.

Bluffton, South Carolina – The Bluffton Town Council has officially adopted a new ordinance aimed at addressing the growing issue of abandoned and derelict boats in local waterways. This critical step allows the town to collaborate effectively with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and neighboring jurisdictions for comprehensive removal efforts.

Under the newly enacted ordinance, the town will report any shipwrecked, abandoned, or derelict vessels that float into Lowcountry waterways directly to SCDNR for their removal. This initiative comes in the wake of a recent state law that has been established to define what constitutes “abandoned” and “derelict” vessels, necessitating local jurisdictions to adopt these definitions for efficiency in addressing the problem.

Last year, a meeting was convened by SCDNR that brought together officials from the Lowcountry to discuss collaborative removal strategies. Following the adoption of the ordinance, Bluffton will have the means to cooperate with key areas such as Beaufort County and Hilton Head Island to manage joint efforts in the identification and removal of these problematic boats.

According to reports, approximately eight abandoned boats were recorded in Bluffton waterways last year, with vessels like the “Southern Belle” from Louisville, Kentucky, and “Precious” from Wilmington, North Carolina, noted for their presence. Assistant Town Manager Heather Colin indicated that there is the potential for an increase in abandoned vessels since that time.

Importantly, the adoption of the new ordinance will not impose any financial burden on the town, as stated by Colin. Bluffton’s role will include assisting in pinpointing abandoned vessels, tagging them, and aiding in the associated legal process, while the responsibility for removal will lie solely with the SCDNR.

The state law establishes clear definitions, specifying that an “abandoned” boat is a wrecked or junked vessel without visible identification that has remained in state waters or on public property for at least ten days after a notice has been issued. Conversely, a “derelict” vessel is defined as a boat with visible identification that persists in the waters for at least 21 days after a notice has been issued.

The adoption of these definitions is crucial for Bluffton in partnering with SCDNR for effective removal of abandoned vessels. Town manager Stephen Steese emphasized the significance of adopting the ordinance concurrently with Beaufort County to prevent any unwanted transfer of abandoned boats from Bluffton’s jurisdiction into county waters.

Furthermore, the new law, signed by Governor Henry McMaster in May, categorizes junked boats as public nuisances. It not only outlines the definitions of abandoned and derelict vessels but also establishes comprehensive removal procedures and penalties associated with these violations.

Background Context

As issues surrounding abandoned boats continue to escalate in Bluffton’s local waterways, the town’s commitment to addressing the problem reflects a proactive approach in safeguarding natural resources and enhancing public safety. Through active partnerships with relevant state and local agencies, Bluffton aims to maintain the integrity and visibility of its waterways, ensuring they remain accessible and safe for residents and visitors alike.

FAQ Section

What is the new ordinance adopted by Bluffton Town Council?

The Bluffton Town Council has adopted a new ordinance to combat abandoned and derelict boats in local waterways, allowing the town to coordinate removal efforts with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and surrounding jurisdictions.

How will abandoned boats be reported and removed?

Abandoned vessels that float into Lowcountry waterways will be reported by the town to SCDNR for removal.

What definitions have been established under the new state law?

The new state law defines an “abandoned” boat as a wrecked or junked vessel without visible identification that has been in state waters or on public property for at least ten days after notice, while a “derelict” vessel is a boat with visible identification that remains in the waters for at least 21 days after notice.

What was the impact of last year’s abandoned boats in the area?

Last year, approximately eight abandoned boats washed up in Bluffton waterways, including vessels named “Southern Belle” from Louisville, Kentucky and “Precious” from Wilmington, North Carolina.

Will the adoption of the ordinance have a budgetary impact on the town?

No, the adoption of the new rules will not have any budgetary impact on the town, as stated by Assistant Town Manager Heather Colin.

Chart of Key Features

Feature	Details
New Ordinance Adoption	Facilitates collaboration with SCDNR for removal of abandoned boats.
Definitions	“Abandoned” – wrecked or junked without identification for 10 days; “Derelict” – boat with identification in waters for 21 days.
Budget Impact	No budgetary impact on the town.
Recent Statistics	Approximately 8 abandoned boats in local waterways last year.
Collaboration	Efforts to be coordinated with Beaufort County and Hilton Head Island.