Full Breakdown
Abandoned Boats Swarm Marina del Rey Amid Funding Gaps and Vendor Limits
By Drooid · · How we work
Growing Fleet of Derelict Vessels
Marina del Rey’s waterways now host roughly 100 abandoned boats that were impounded by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Many remain tied to slips in a deteriorated state, creating safety hazards, environmental risks from potential leaks, and lost tax revenue from unpaid registration and slip fees. The visual clutter has prompted local residents and business owners to label the scene an “eyesore” and a public-safety concern.
Funding Shortfalls and Vendor Restrictions
The primary disposal mechanism relies on the annually awarded Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Grant. Two years ago the county received $80,000; the most recent award dropped to $44,000. Removal costs range from $10,000 to $50,000 per vessel, depending on size, straining the limited budget. Additionally, the Master Agreement governing disposal authorizes only a single vendor, restricting haul-out options to two designated locations within the marina. The U.S. Coast Guard has begun cataloguing the abandoned vessels to assess further assistance.
County and Sheriff Department Responses
LASD Harbor Master Sgt. He noted “limitations in vendor availability” due to the Master Agreement language.
LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell said abandoning a boat is illegal and that the county is actively identifying owners, pursuing legal removal processes, and coordinating with the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Beaches and Harbors. She urged residents with information to contact the Marina del Rey sheriff’s station.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It almost looks like a Disneyland ride,” — Sean McCarthy — Sean McCarthy, founder of the Catalina Crew boating brand
- “A lot of them are just left in complete derelict shape, like you'll see on the inside of this,” — Sean McCarthy — Sean McCarthy, founder of the Catalina Crew boating brand
- “It's 10,000 to 40 to 50,000 depending on size to get rid of a boat, so we're trying to come up with creative ways to help the community get rid of these vessels,” — Sean McCarthy — Sean McCarthy, founder of the Catalina Crew boating brand
- “If we start getting after this, we can get rid of these boats in a real quick amount of time,” — Sean McCarthy — Sean McCarthy, founder of the Catalina Crew boating brand
These statements underscore community frustration and the nonprofit Catalina Crew Foundation’s effort to raise funds for hull removal and repurposing.