Clock ticking for sailboat stranded on New Smyrna Beach

Clock ticking for stranded sailboat on New Smyrna Beach

A sailboat stranded on the sands of New Smyrna Beach has become a local curiosity, leaving beachgoers wondering how it ended up there and what comes next.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - The clock is ticking for a sailboat stranded on New Smyrna Beach.

According to a bright red notice attached to the boat, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has deemed the vessel derelict. The notice is dated December 31, but according to the boat owner, it has been stuck on the sand since at least December 22.

The strange sight on the sand is drawing crowds of curious onlookers.

"We’ve never seen a sailboat washed up on the beach before," said Dino Reed.

The 1977 Ericson34 named "DECOY" has been beached for about a week and a half. According to the vessel’s owner, rough weather is the reason and attempts to save it have failed.

Janet Chisom, visiting from Virginia, suggested trying a little adrenaline-induced muscle power.

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"Maybe if we got a whole group of people together, we could pick it up like you pick up a Volkswagen Bug, and you pick it up, and we’d carry it back to the water," Chisom said with a laugh.

Right now, the boat is listed by the owner on Craigslist for free, as it sits in the sand quickly becoming a popular photo opportunity.

"I hope it doesn’t stay there forever," said Dana Marie Roquemore. "It’s an interesting, shipwrecked boat – for the moment."

These could be DECOY’s final moments.

"[The owner has] given up now… because it costs so much, it’s not worth the sailboat – the price," said Dave Spears. "So, they put it on us to get, and we’re going to get it and get it out of here."

Spears said his company has been tasked with removing it, which is an expensive undertaking.

"It’s like $25,000 for a crane," Spears said. "And that’s just for the crane."

Work starts on Thursday, Spears said, and their plan of attack depends on the condition of the sailboat’s hull.

"It’s easier to take it out and sail it out to the inlet," Spears said. "If not, we’re going to have to cut it."

According to Spears, they will have a crew of about one dozen, and they have to take tides into account.

"Might not get it the first try," Spears said. "But we’re going to get it!"

Removing a derelict vessel is not as simple as just hauling it away. According to FWC, there are multiple laws at play, and it requires a lot of collaboration between local and state agencies.

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