A decommissioned 120-foot-long Navy torpedo vessel has been abandoned in the marshes near Charleston, South Carolina, for four years. The unusual sight of the grounded boat in Bohicket Creek has now led to the arrest of its owner, Samuel Kodaimati, who bought the vessel in an auction.
This marks the first arrest under South Carolina’s newly enacted abandoned boat law, which is part of a broader effort to remove derelict vessels that threaten the state’s delicate coastal ecosystems.
Why It Matters
The abandoned Navy boat has become a symbol of an ongoing problem on South Carolina’s coast—derelict vessels that pose environmental and navigational hazards.
These boats, often abandoned without proper maintenance or removal, can leak hazardous substances such as fuel, oil, and lead-based paint, all of which can damage the state’s salt marsh ecosystem. The marshes provide crucial habitats for fish, shellfish, shorebirds, and act as natural filters to maintain water quality.
The new law, which was passed in 2025, addresses this growing problem by imposing penalties for violations, including fines up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment for up to 60 days. It also holds owners liable for the cost of removing abandoned boats and defines what constitutes an abandoned vessel more clearly.
The Arrest and Legal Action
Samuel Kodaimati, who purchased the boat through an auction conducted by the General Services Administration (GSA), faces two charges related to the abandoned vessel. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the charges could result in fines, court costs, and fees totaling $43,400.
Kodaimati’s boat, a former Navy vessel, has been stuck in the marsh near a private dock in Bohicket Creek since 2021. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Captain of the Port Order in 2021, declaring the boat inoperable under federal maritime law due to improper documentation.
By late 2024, the Coast Guard identified the vessel as an environmental hazard and removed 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the boat.
Despite this effort, the boat remains grounded in the marsh, further exacerbating the environmental risk. According to Lt. Michael Allen of the Coast Guard’s Charleston sector, this is not the first abandoned military vessel found in the area, but it is the most recent and significant case in the region.
The GSA Auction and Purchase
The Navy vessel was sold by the GSA at an auction in March 2021 for $81,600, according to Mary Simms, the GSA’s regional public affairs officer. The GSA auctions military vessels to private parties, but sometimes these sales don’t go as planned, as in the case of this Navy torpedo boat.
Though private buyers can acquire such vessels, the responsibility for their maintenance and proper removal remains on the owners, and failure to comply with regulations can result in significant penalties.
The Growing Problem of Abandoned Vessels
Abandoned and derelict boats have become an increasing concern in South Carolina, particularly in areas like Port Royal and Beaufort, where the local government has spent significant resources to address the issue.
For instance, in 2023, Port Royal spent $60,000 to remove several old shrimp boats from its waters to make way for dock renovations. Similarly, in 2024, the city of Beaufort had to remove several boats torn loose by tropical storm Helene in September.
These abandoned vessels pose serious environmental risks, as they may contain hazardous materials and create navigational obstacles. To address these issues, the city of Beaufort set aside $50,000 in its 2026 budget to help with boat removal and disaster mitigation efforts.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
The investigation into the 120-foot Navy torpedo boat remains ongoing, and the SCDNR is committed to holding those responsible for the abandonment accountable. SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin stated, “This arrest underscores our commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and holding accountable those who jeopardize them.”
The law’s recent passage sends a clear message that authorities are taking stronger action to deal with the growing problem of abandoned vessels and are committed to protecting the state’s valuable waterways and ecosystems.
