The sailboat that ran aground in Flagler Beach over one month ago will finally be removed, the city government announced Tuesday. A contract has been approved for its salvaging, which begins on Wednesday.
On January 25, the sailboat washed ashore near North 21st Street in Flagler Beach. The boat’s owner apparently lost power while out on the ocean, eventually drifting toward a public area of beach. Three passengers were rescued by the Flagler Beach Fire Department.
In the weeks that followed, members of the public have enjoyed seeing and taking pictures of the boat. Now, however, their fun appears to be at an end. On March 5 the Flagler Beach City Commission approved a contract to finally have the boat removed.
Some of the materials already cleaned out of the boat. ⓒ AskFlagler
Isla Maritime Corporation will be paid $42,750 to remove the 45-foot sailboat from where it came to rest. City Manager Dale Martin was given the authority to award Isla Maritime with the winning bid. One other bidder offered to carry out the project for $67,000.
Once the salvaging begins, equipment will be driven across 21 blocks of beach to reach the boat. Isla Maritime will drive onto the sand at the intersection of SR-A1A and Moody Blvd, before traveling north to where the sailboat is located.
In order to recoup the taxpayer funds being spent on the salvaging, the City of Flagler Beach will be pursuing grant opportunities. It may also explore options to obtain reimbursement from the sailboat’s owner, the city said in its Tuesday announcement.
The owner’s insurance was not enough to cover the cost of the removal, leaving the city with the decision to pay for a removal now and try to make their money back later. They were given a 21-day period to remove the boat themselves, which expired on February 20.
As salvaging takes place, the City of Flagler Beach says there will be some impacts to traffic. This will allow equipment to be transported and positioned. Environmentally sensitive materials will be secured and removed, followed by the dismantling of the mast and the rest of the vessel.
“The City of Flagler Beach appreciates the community’s patience as this work is completed and remains committed to protecting the safety, environmental quality, and natural beauty of our public beaches,” the Flagler Beach city government said in their announcement.
