Abandoned Boats Found on Valley Waterways on The Rise in Marion County

If you are caught by police setting a boat adrift in a waterway with the intent of abandoning it, you could be charged with a crime.

Abandoned boats and watercraft cause an immediate hazard to swimmers and other boaters, and they also can draw an emergency response from law enforcement and fire officials. Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The warmer weather is here, and family summer vacation’s travels to Willamette Valley waterways are not that far away as well. However, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office says they want people visiting local waterways to be aware of a growing and very dangerous trend -- abandoned boats.

Shane Burnham, Marine Patrol Sergeant says abandoned boats and other watercraft cause an immediate hazard to swimmers and other boaters, and they also can draw an emergency response from law enforcement and fire officials.

We have to treat these incidents like an emergency; as it could be a boater in distress, Burnham added.

Because of the financial burden these types of incidents cost Marion County taxpayers, the Burnham wants to remind boat owners if they are going to discard their old watercraft to do so properly. If you are caught by police setting a boat adrift in a waterway with the intent of abandoning it, you could be charged with a crime.

If you need help in getting rid of your old watercraft, Burnham suggests you call a local auto recycler for assistance.

The Oregon State Marine Board wants to remind boat owners that if your boat sinks or is wrecked, you are liable for any oil or fuel spills and you are required to remove the vessel. Or should your boat breaks loose and is lost, contact your local sheriff’s marine patrol or local law enforcement agency. If it’s registered in Oregon, notify the marine board. Also, if you recover the boat to notify the marine board and local law enforcement officials.

Should you find a boat that appears to have been lost or abandoned on your property, or on a Oregon waterway, call the local county sheriff’s marine patrol or The Oregon State Marine Board in Salem at (503) 378-8587.