PALMETTO, Fla. — Time is up for the rusting steel freighter dubbed Caroline C, which has been anchored in the Manatee River adjacent to Snead Island for more than a decade.
- Unknown amount of contaminated water, fuel leaked into river
- Manatee County aims to have vessel removed by end of the month
- Steel freighter has been anchored in the same spot for a decade
On September 24, the vessel sank to the bottom of the river and released unknown amounts of petroleum, fuel, and oil into the water.
In response, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources asked a local salvage company to raise the 170-ton freighter in an attempt to reduce any further environmental impacts. On Tuesday, the vessel was still floating but is being pumped daily so it can remain above water.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard inspected the vessel and had roughly 5,800 gallons of contaminated water and fuel removed. County Environmental Program Manager Alan Lai Hipp said just small amounts remained, but it was unclear how much exactly made it into the water when it sank last month.
Lai Hipp said the boat could easily sink again and called it both a navigational and environmental threat.
He said the county is now accepting bids for removal.
The removal will cost anywhere from $130,000-$150,000. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is expected to reimburse the county for 75% of the cost after the removal is complete.
“The owner is unable to, so unfortunately, we have to,” Lai Hipp said.
Caroline C was once used for humanitarian efforts. Lai Hipp said he thinks the current owner had the same intentions.
The county plans to have removal complete by the end of October.