PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — The County Council in Prince George’s County recently introduced a bill that would penalize those who park or abandon their watercraft on public roadways. This issue has been growing throughout Southern Maryland, and some residents have reported finding decrepit boats in their neighborhoods.
Counties in Maryland border the Chesapeake Bay, where watercraft ownership is common. However, the illegal parking of boats in public areas has become a recurring concern. Many of the vessels show visible signs of deterioration.
Illegally parked watercraft can contribute to motor vehicle accidents and disrupt the flow of traffic. In some cases, deteriorating boats have been left on private property and in residential neighborhoods, raising additional concerns.
Maryland has an Abandoned Boat and Debris Program, but it’s primarily aimed at removing derelict boats from state waters. Addressing boats on land may require additional action at the county level, where local governments could consider legislation to deal with watercraft abandoned on public or private property.
A Couple’s Fight Against Abandoned Boats
In early 2023, James and Jennifer Graves purchased a foreclosed home off the Wicomico River in St. Mary’s County. A boat was already on the pier when the house was sold, and it has remained there for two years.
James initially reached out to the bank that owns the vessel, and there was an attempted repossession in July 2023. However, upon inspection, the bank declared the derelict boat to be of no value, so they left it sitting on the couple’s property indefinitely.
“I then asked the logical question: What am I supposed to do with your property? They said we should pay to have it removed. This is a very expensive process we are unable to pursue at this time.”
Next, James contacted the bank, asking them to remove the boat or hand over the title. The bank refused both suggestions. The representative apparently said that James would have to pay to have it removed, placing the expensive responsibility on the new homeowners.
Ospreys have routinely nested on the abandoned boat, making it even more difficult to move it without breaking any laws. Environmental concerns aside, the abandonment of this boat has caused the Graves a great deal of undue stress and frustration.
Cases like this raise questions about the responsibilities of both individuals and institutions when it comes to abandoned watercraft.
A Growing Trend in Local Neighborhoods
James isn’t the only homeowner facing this unusual problem. During a recent council hearing, Prince George’s County resident William recalled his experience with an abandoned boat parked illegally in his neighbor’s front yard.
“On a twice-a-day basis, I walk my dog around the corner. For about the last two years, the first eyesore I come across is a derelict boat that’s been parked on the street for that period of time. It hasn’t moved, except for once last fall.”
“I was woken up on a Sunday morning by a loud crash. When I went out to walk the dog, I noticed that somebody had smashed into the boat and pushed it into the front yard of this guy’s house. It’s not his boat; it just seems to be parked in the front of his house.”
The situations facing James and William are very different, but in the end, both stories highlight the dangers of abandoned watercraft in private spaces. Suggesting more penalties need to be put in place for individuals and organizations who have abandoned their watercraft.
Prince George’s County is now considering legislation to impose penalties for the illegal parking and abandonment of watercraft. Similar measures in other counties could influence how the issue is addressed across Southern Maryland.
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