KBB Identifies 122 Boats For Potential Removal
Keep Bermuda Beautiful has identified 122 boats and pieces of wreckage for potential removal following a three-day survey of the island’s east and west coastlines.
A spokesperson said, “Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] has completed a comprehensive survey of bays and coastlines on the east and west sides of the island, identifying 122 boats and pieces of wreckage for potential removal under its ongoing Abandoned Boat Initiative.
“The three-day survey, supported by the Department of Natural Resources, with assistance from the Marine Conservation and Marine Enforcement Sections, builds on a project that has already removed more than 100 vessels from Bermuda’s waters.
“Each of the 122 identified vessels is now being assessed against KBB’s established criteria for determining whether a boat is abandoned or derelict. These criteria include whether a vessel is sunk, wrecked, unseaworthy, or discarded by its owner, and whether its owner can be identified and located. Vessels that meet the removal criteria will be submitted to the Minister for action, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Ministry and KBB in 2022.”
Minister of Public Works and Environment Jache Adams said: “The removal of abandoned and derelict vessels is about more than tidying our coastline. These vessels can pose real risks to marine ecosystems, navigation safety, and the overall health and beauty of Bermuda’s waters. The Ministry of Public Works and Environment remains fully supportive of this initiative and the collaborative efforts that have already resulted in the removal of more than 100 vessels from our waters. As KBB advances this important work, I encourage boat owners to ensure their vessels and moorings are properly registered and maintained, and I invite members of the public who are able to support the initiative through donations or community advocacy. Protecting Bermuda’s natural environment is a shared responsibility, and together we can continue to make a meaningful difference.”
“This project matters because these boats don’t just disappear on their own; they become environmental hazards, safety risks, and, too often, permanent fixtures in our bays and along coastlines,” said Katie Berry, Abandoned Boat Project Member and KBB Vice President.
A spokesperson added, “Beyond removal, KBB is using the survey findings to advocate for legislative change and stronger marine management practices, with the goal of establishing a permanent mechanism to prevent boats from becoming abandoned wrecks and environmental hazards. KBB has agreed to submit its full proposals and survey findings to the Minister for consideration.
“The removal work is funded entirely by generous private donors. KBB’s current fund is approximately $65,000, while the estimated cost to remove the vessels identified in this latest survey is approximately $200,000, leaving a significant funding gap that KBB is working to close through continued donor support. If you want to support the project, please reach out to KBB or visit the website at https://www.kbb.bm/take-action/donations/
“KBB encourages the boating public to ensure that all boats on moorings or in the water display the 2027 boat registration sticker, and that all mooring buoys display the 2027 mooring registration sticker issued by the Department of Marine and Ports. Failure to do so is an offense and may cause confusion about whether a boat is considered abandoned or derelict. KBB also encourages the boating public to have any moorings checked by a registered marine contractor ahead of what may be a busy hurricane season.”
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“Minister of Public Works and Environment Jache Adams said …”
Typical Government reaction. All words, no action.