The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is set to remove a 120-foot former U.S. Navy torpedo vessel from Bohicket Creek this week. The vessel, which has been abandoned near a private dock for years, poses both environmental and navigational risks to the surrounding marsh.
Arrest and Legal Actions
Samuel Kodaimati was arrested in July under South Carolina’s abandoned boat law and faces two charges that carry potential fines and fees totaling $43,400—$21,700 for each charge.
Environmental Concerns Addressed
The U.S. Coast Guard previously removed approximately 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the vessel in late 2024, after it was deemed an environmental hazard. “This removal is more than a cleanup — it’s a commitment to protecting our coastal resources and ensuring that sensitive habitats like our salt marshes remain healthy and resilient,” said Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of SCDNR.
Dangers of Derelict Vessels
SCDNR explained that abandoned and derelict vessels can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful materials, which damage marsh vegetation, harm wildlife, and degrade water quality. In addition, these vessels pose significant dangers to boaters due to poor visibility, structural instability, and navigational obstruction. This removal emphasizes SCDNR’s commitment to both enforcement and environmental restoration efforts.
