A Charleston man has been arrested for allegedly leaving a decommissioned military vessel abandoned in Bohicket Creek for several years. Samuel Kodaimati is the first person to be charged under South Carolina’s newly enacted abandoned boat law, which went into effect on May 8 after being signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster.
Details of the Incident
Kodaimati, who owns the 120-foot former U.S. Navy decommissioned torpedo vessel, is facing two charges related to the vessel’s abandonment. The boat has sat grounded in the marsh near Johns Island for several years. It was deemed inoperable in 2021 due to improper documentation and issued a Captain of the Port Order.
The vessel was declared an environmental hazard towards the end of 2024, prompting a response from the Coast Guard. Crews removed about 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the boat.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Kodaimati is now facing fines and fees totaling $43,400, with $21,700 for each of the two charges. These charges are part of South Carolina’s efforts to tackle the problem of abandoned vessels in local waterways, which have long posed environmental and safety risks.
Impact on the Environment
The vessel’s abandonment has led to concerns about environmental damage. Abandoned boats often contain harmful substances like oil, lead-based paint, fuel, and other hazardous chemicals, which leak into surrounding waters, harming local ecosystems and wildlife. They also pose a danger to boaters who may encounter the derelict vessels.
Commitment to Protecting Natural Resources
Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), emphasized the importance of the state’s new law in protecting the environment. “This arrest underscores our commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and holding accountable those who jeopardize them,” Mullikin said. “Abandoning vessels in sensitive waterways not only violates the law but also puts our ecosystems, wildlife, and communities at risk.”
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation into Kodaimati’s actions is still ongoing, as authorities continue to address the issue of abandoned, derelict, and sunken vessels in local waterways.
