More Than 7,000 Boats Tossed Around, Damaged By Hurricane Ian

FLORIDA — As part of the ongoing response efforts following Hurricane Ian, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has assessed more than 2,100 boats and has added additional officers to assess the more than 5,000 boats still displaced on both land and water by the hurricane.

Since the assessment process began, the FWC said it has received hundreds of calls on its Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline (850-488-5600) and teams are now contacting owners and insurance companies to provide information, guidance and reunite boat owners with their property.

“Wave One of the FWC Displaced Vessel Deployment Team returned home after a very productive two weeks in the field. This group of 16 dedicated officers worked long hours on the waters of Lee County, locating derelict vessels and contacting owners. Wave Two is now in place and will carry on with the mission,” said FWC boating and waterways section representative Capt. Travis Franklin. “I’m proud of the work accomplished by these officers as they help reunite owners with their boats, while facilitating the removal of derelict vessels from our waterways.”

This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced efforts to expedite identifying and removing boats and debris from the area affected by Hurricane Ian. The FWC is working closely with the Division of Emergency Management, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Coast Guard and local governments, removing boats and debris from waterways and upland private and commercial properties.

The newly created State Debris Cleanup Program will assist Hurricane Ian survivors with the removal of displaced and abandoned titled property. Residents can request the removal of debris including vehicles, boats, motorcycles, trailers and ATVs by visiting IanDebrisCleanup.com.

When Hurricane Ian swept across the state, thousands of boats were tossed about by wind and storm surge. Some were pushed ashore, some damaged in marinas and private docks, others relocated but still afloat, and some partially or fully sunken, said the FWC.

“We take this matter seriously and understand the hardship that Hurricane Ian has placed upon our residents,” said boating and waterways section leader Maj. Rob Beaton. “FWC officers are diligently working to determine the current number and ownership of storm-related displaced vessels across the state. We are committed to helping boat owners find their vessels and facilitate the removal of vessels from state waters that are posing a threat to the environment or blocking waterways.”

“These efforts will take time. While the majority of displaced vessels are in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties, there are multiple counties affected on both coasts of the state,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Melanie Burnham, incident commander for the marine environmental response. “We appreciate the cooperation of the boating public during this unprecedented recovery effort.”

Boat owners are encouraged to hire a salvage company to recover their boats to provide the safest method possible for the vessel and the environment. The removal of displaced boats can hasten the recovery and overall resilience of native marine plants and animals, Beaton said.

Boat owners have 45 days from the day the hurricane passed over the state to either remove their boats from the waters or bring them into a non-derelict condition.

Owners of displaced boats who lack the resources to have their boat repaired, or if their vessel is determined to be beyond repair, may release ownership of their boats. This process can be initiated by contacting the FWC through the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline at 850-488-5600 and requesting to turn over a displaced boat. An FWC representative will then contact the owner to explain the waiver process and facilitate the potential turnover of ownership.

If displaced boats are insured, the boat owners should work with their insurance companies to safely recover, remove and, if necessary, arrange for the disposal and destruction of the boat. Boat owners are further encouraged to hire a salvage company to recover their vessel to provide the safest method possible for the boat and the environment.

“The nature of the post-storm marine assessment response is complicated but crucial,” said Beaton. “The process will take time, but we are pleased with the progress so far and the support we have received. The safety of the public and responders is our top priority. Our responders are trained professionals, and we urge everyone in these areas to keep a safe distance away while they perform their duties.”

For tips and best practices regarding owners removing their own boats, see the guidelines posted at MyFWC.com/boating. Click on “Best Practices for Removal of Vessels Hurricane Ian.”