Coffin Marine Services recently built a custom pontoon lift barge that can hoist derelict vessels from these shallow environments.
Using aluminum framing and repurposed polyfoam flotation cells, the equipment draws only 6 inches of water allowing salvage operations to occur without invasive removal methods or causing additional resource impacts. Since 2008, Coffin Marine has removed nearly 200 derelict vessels for Monroe County, according to county officials.
âJohn Coffin is a dedicated, model contractor for Monroe Countyâs Derelict Vessel Removal Program who tirelessly demonstrates creative solutions when working in our sensitive marine environment,â said Monroe County Marine Resources Senior Administrator Celia Hitchins. âHe and his crew members always show a strong commitment toward environmental stewardship, partnership, and transparency to ensure our waterways remain safe and clean.â
Of the 25 vessels, 10 are considered derelict and 15 were damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The hurricane-damaged vessels should be the last from Michael s destruction, according to UF/IFAS Extension Bay County and Florida Sea Grant agent Scott Jackson. Funds are in place and contractors are preparing to remove the 25 vessels in the spring.
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the Derelict Vessel Removal Program between March 2020 and September 2020, but it allowed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to complete the legal work.
The removal of each vessel can cost $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the boat s size and condition. The cost can put a financial burden on local governments, which is why the county and Jackson have sought grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration.