Washington Agency Uses Helicopters to Clean Up Abandoned Boats

A derelict boat departs the shores of Squaxin Island via helicopter hoist (Washington DNR)

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking an unusual approach to dealing with derelict vessels that wash up on remote shorelines. In a recent cleanup project, it used helicopters to lift 14 boats from the shoreline of Squaxin Island in Puget Sound.

Using its wildfire helicopters and ground personnel, DNR conducted the operation as part of its Derelict Vessel Removal program. The boats had been washed ashore or left behind to deteriorate, posing a serious risk to the Island’s ecosystem. Because of their deteriorated state, floating the boats out was not an option.

Through a $1 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), DNR was able to fund the operation, partnering with the Squaxin Tribe and the Port of Olympia. A total of 14 abandoned vessels were airlifted and flown across Budd Inlet to DNR's Marine Station, north of Squaxin Park in Olympia, where they will be stored awaiting proper disposal. DNR posted a TikTok video about the operation, complete with a popular musical-theater soundtrack.

Go to this link to read the full article published by The Maritime Executive https://maritime-executive.com/article/washington-agency-uses-helicopters-to-clean-up-abandoned-boats