Abandoned sailboat submerged since 2020 removed from NK waters

By Staff report • February 26, 2025 1:30 am
Kitsap County courtesy photo Global Diving crews raise a derelict sailboat from the seabed in the Lemolo area in mid-February. The work is part of a multijurisdictional effort to remove hazards from local waterways.
Kitsap County courtesy photo Global Diving crews raise a derelict sailboat from the seabed in the Lemolo area in mid-February. The work is part of a multijurisdictional effort to remove hazards from local waterways.

A 30-foot abandoned sailboat that had been submerged since 2020 was recently removed by Kitsap County about 150 yards offshore in Lemolo, between Keyport and Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay.

Global Diving crews executed the removal operation, first addressing the mast and collapsed rigging, before using lift bags to refloat the hull. Crews then transported the vessel offsite for future disposal, per a county news release.

The removal project cost about $38,000, and is part the county’s derelict vessel removal program, funded through the National Estuary Program Habitat Strategic Initiative. The program, administered jointly by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, aims to protect Kitsap’s marine shoreline, which includes 12 port districts, numerous piers and marinas, and four cities.

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“The successful removal of this abandoned boat highlights our commitment to protecting Liberty Bay and Kitsap County’s important marine resources,” said Christine Rolfes, chair of the county Board of Commissioners. “This new program creates a coordinated approach across jurisdictions, addressing a critical gap in vessel tracking and enforcement that has historically challenged our local authorities.”

Removing the vessel in Lemolo required extensive coordination between multiple stakeholders, including three private tideland owners, the Port of Poulsbo, DNR, and DFW. Global Diving conducted the removal operation using specialized equipment and expertise.

“By facilitating the coordination of our cities, port districts, and law enforcement agencies, we aim to strengthen the existing…program’s effectiveness within Kitsap County waters over the next two years,” said Department of Community Development program supervisor Kirvie Mesebeluu-Yobech.

In a region known for its commercial fishing, aquaculture industries, and recreational boating, the program aims to preserve both the environmental and economic value of Kitsap waters.

“Abandoned vessels pose significant risks to our marine environment and maritime industries,” said Rafe Wysham, director of Community Development. “These vessels can damage marine beds and submerged aquatic vegetation through grounding and dragging anchors. They are navigation hazards and pose risks to water quality that can impact local tribal shellfish harvesting areas.”