Shipwrecks of the ICW

3/16/22

The Matanzas River, from St Augustine to New Smyrna Beach is a sad place where boats are left to slowly die. We noticed this on our way south and photographed the carnage on our way north. We took About 20 pictures of dying vessels and there were at least as many more that were out of range for our cell phone cameras.

While weather events may blow (poorly secured) boats onto nearby shores, other events led to the demise of these. They are essentially derelict vessels, on their own path to destruction by the elements.

The downward spiral usually starts with a boat anchored in a remote location, that is not easily seen by the owners of waterfront property. Anchoring is free & legal and many ICW travelers use these spots as a temporary alternative to expensive marinas. However, some boats wind up getting abandoned in place, and their path to imminent demise, can be plotted by their appearance.

The first signs of distress are location and minor neglect. Unwashed cabin tops and unwaxed topsides are early indicators of possible abandonment.

After the boat has been left to the elements, it may break free or simply sink in place.

The next step for sailboats is loose halyards and unsecured sail covers. The progression for power boats include dangling dock lines and general disarray of deck gear.

Then comes the pirates. Boats that have been sitting for months in the river are easily identified by substantial marine growth near their waterline and enterprising locals have noted their eminent abandonment. They (or perhaps the actual owner) then take it upon themselves to strip the vessel of anything that might be of value. These boats have been relieved of their spare anchors, booms, steering wheels and any gear not bolted down. They are usually left with the hatches open. Rain water then collects in the hull. However, this is Florida so the cycle of rain and evaporation may take a very long time to actually sink the vessel. Also, many of these boats are already aground so they just cant sink any lower.

Finally, the anchor breaks free or (more likely) the anchor line breaks. This could be caused by a weather event, or the deterioration of the anchor line (or maybe the pirates decided to undo the line and let the boat die). This is usually the end, as the boat then finds a spot to settle in and die. If it hasn’t gone through the previous path of neglect, it might be rescued and returned to service. However, if it has made all the stops along the way, then it is destined for the landfill.

Which means…someone has to remove the boat from the shore by either dragging it into deep water (if it will still float) or hoisting it with a crane onto a barge (if the equipment can get close enough) or breaking it up on the spot and putting the remnants into a dumpster (if the boat can be accessed by land). After hurricane Gloria, many boats had washed ashore in Marion Mass. Someone (perhaps the insurance companies) organized a giant helicopter and ground crew, to lift each one and transport it to a local boatyard. It was an impressive sight to see large yachts flying over Marion harbor. However, probably not be worth the effort for these derelicts.

In the meantime, the Matanzas River remains decorated with the remnants of abandoned dreams and a testimony to the longevity of fiberglass.