SCDNR to Remove 120-Foot Abandoned Navy Vessel from Bohicket Creek

WADMALAW ISLAND, SC — A long-abandoned 120-foot U.S. Navy torpedo vessel in Bohicket Creek is finally set to be removed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), marking a major step in tackling the state’s growing derelict vessels problem.

Hazardous Ship Near Johns Island to Be Removed

The removal operation is scheduled for Monday, August 19 at 6 p.m. at the Cherry Point Public Boat Ramp along Boat Landing Alley. The vessel had been grounded for years near a private dock by Johns Island, creating serious environmental and navigational hazards to the nearby salt marshes.

Back in 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard extracted 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the ship. Despite those efforts, the abandoned ship continued to pose risks to the surrounding ecosystem, especially sensitive habitats like salt marshes.

SCDNR Emphasizes Environmental Commitment

Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of SCDNR, said the removal goes beyond routine maintenance.

“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,” Mullikin stated.

SCDNR partnered with Stevens Towing to coordinate the complex extraction operation, which is considered a key milestone in ongoing statewide efforts to address the rising number of abandoned and derelict boats.

Owner Arrested for Abandoning Navy Torpedo Boat

The person behind the vessel’s abandonment was identified as Samuel Kodaimati, who was arrested on July 22. He faces two charges related to the vessel’s abandonment, which has remained a sore spot for both the agency and the surrounding community.

The case drew attention not only for the ship’s size and visibility but also because it highlighted how neglected maritime property can quickly become a public safety and environmental issue.

What’s Next in SCDNR’s Cleanup Efforts

This high-profile removal represents a larger strategy to enforce accountability and restore coastal environments impacted by long-forgotten vessels. SCDNR has been gradually stepping up enforcement against individuals who leave derelict boats in South Carolina waters and is working with local and federal partners to clean up key waterway areas across the state.

Residents are encouraged to stay clear of the Cherry Point Public Boat Ramp during Monday evening’s scheduled removal operation.

For more updates on coastal cleanup and enforcement actions, stay connected with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.