FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A massive sailboat that washed ashore along Flagler Beach has remained on the sand for more than six weeks, drawing crowds of curious visitors while also creating challenges for city officials trying to remove it.
The vessel ran aground Jan. 25 after its owners lost navigation while traveling from St. Augustine to the Florida Keys.
City officials with Flagler Beach City Government initially gave the owners 21 days to remove the boat. When the owners said they did not have enough insurance coverage to pay for the removal, the city stepped in and secured a $42,000 contract with Isla Marine to handle the job.
Crews spent part of Wednesday working to dismantle the boat, including removing its mast. The vessel had originally been scheduled to be dragged about 21 blocks down the coastline to the Flagler Beach Pier.
However, crews determined the sailboat had become too fragile to move in one piece.
Instead, the plan now calls for workers to bring dumpsters from the pier area and break down sections of the boat to lighten the load before moving what remains.
Despite the complications, the stranded sailboat has become something of a tourist attraction.
“I came here today to actually come look at it — that was why we picked this beach. So we’re kind of sad to hear that it’s going away,” said tourist Isabell Birkholtz.
Police said the vessel has also caused problems during the weeks it has sat on the shoreline.
“We’ve arrested seven juveniles off of it for burglary and graffiti. It’s been a constant nuisance since it’s been on the beach,” said Lt. Lance Blanchard with the Flagler Beach Police Department.
Starting Thursday at 7 a.m., crews will attempt to pull the remaining pieces of the sailboat toward the pier for removal.