To improve the health and safety of our waterways for all members of the public, the Ministry of Transport, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Marine and Ports Services advise the public that a joint programme between the Government and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) under an MOU signed by the Minister of Transport will remove and dispose of twenty-nine (29) abandoned and derelict boats from our waters.
A Government Notice to remove 29 abandoned and derelict vessels – owners unknown – will render them Government-owned from the 17th of February 2024. After that time, marine contractors will remove them under contract to KBB.
The 29 ‘unknown' abandoned and derelict vessels, which are not only unsightly but present an environmental risk and hazard to other motoring vessels, are located near Woody's Restaurant and in Ely's Harbour, Mill's Creek, Fairylands Creek, Riddell's Bay, Lagoon Park, Spanish Point, Mullet Bay and Great Bay.
Due to a lack of identifying features, Government officers have been unable to locate or contact the owners of many of these abandoned and derelict boats. However, owners of these boats have 30 days from the 17th of January 2024 to remove their vessel from its current location and relocate it to a site that adheres to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2002, the Marine Board Act 1962, the Marine & Ports Authority (Dumping) Regulations 1967 or any other law of Bermuda.
Please note that under the Marine & Ports Authority (Dumping) Regulations 1967, the Minister of Transport may direct the disposal of any abandoned vessel that is likely to become unsightly or impede the free navigation of the territorial waters of Bermuda. In doing so, the Minister may direct that the person responsible for the abandonment of the vessel be liable for the costs associated with the disposal of the vessel.
However, owners of these vessels can identify themselves to the Department of Marine & Ports Services and voluntarily agree to allow the Government to cover the disposal cost by completing and handing in a consent form. Disposal will begin if vessel owners do not identify themselves within 30 days from the 17th of January 2024. Should an owner be determined during this process, they may be liable to pay the disposal cost. Consent forms are available from the Department of Marine & Ports Services and online at gov.bm.
The boats will be disposed of at the Airport Dump, and the Government will ship any hazardous waste overseas. For more information, please email pollutioncontrol@gov.bm.