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SCDNR News

SCDNR Partners to Remove Abandoned Vessels from Georgetown Harbor

August 7, 2025

GEORGETOWN, S.C. – Twelve abandoned and sunken vessels were removed from Georgetown Harbor this week through a coordinated effort between the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Georgetown County, and the nonprofit organization Wounded Nature – Working Veterans.

The operation, which began Monday, resulted in more than 100,000 pounds of debris being cleared from local waterways. The vessels were dismantled and transported to a local landfill for proper disposal, preventing potential environmental hazards from contaminating sensitive habitats.

"These boats can hold all kinds of contaminants, so it’s critical to remove them before they sink or break apart and release pollutants into our waterways and ecosystems," said SCDNR First Sgt. Jason Dozier. "Our team spent hours rigging, diving, and pumping to make this possible, and it’s rewarding to see these boats finally out of the water."

Removing these vessels is a complex and costly process. According to Wounded Nature – Working Veterans Founder and CEO Rudy Socha, removing an abandoned sailboat with a mast can cost around $10,000, while the cost for a fully sunken vessel can reach $20,000. "These shallow waters are the next generation of seafood for South Carolina—shrimp, flounder, and countless other species depend on these habitats," Socha said.

The collaborative effort was made possible by support from local businesses, including Coastal Crane and Delta Marine Construction, which provided equipment for the removal operation.

"This is a great example of what we can accomplish when state agencies, nonprofits, local governments, and private businesses work together to protect our natural resources," said SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin. "These partnerships are essential for protecting South Carolina’s waterways for future generations."

Since its founding in 2010, Wounded Nature – Working Veterans has removed more than 250 abandoned boats from South Carolina waters. Efforts will continue in Georgetown Harbor, where the team hopes to remove an additional 10 vessels in the coming weeks.