Ghost boat: Abandoned vessel stranded ashore at this popular Tacoma beach. See it
A deserted boat was photographed Monday afternoon on the rocky shore of Titlow Beach.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed via email that it is aware of the washed-up vessel, noting that it’s being addressed by the city. The Tacoma Police Department is assisting with getting the boat removed from the beach, 1420 S. Wilton Road, spokesperson Shelbie Boyd said via text.
Tacoma Fire spokesperson Chelsea Shepherd told The News Tribune that the department started receiving calls to the city’s 311 line Monday morning. The boat did not appear to be leaking, so it is not believed to pose any ecological hazard.
Crews with a floating crane and barge lifted the boat off the beach Tuesday.
Questions remain as to the identity of the boat’s owner and exactly how long it has been stranded at Titlow. A since-removed post on Reddit seemingly referenced the vessel Sunday night.
DNR states on its website that abandoned boats can sometimes jeopardize public safety and pollute surrounding waters. More than 1,205 neglected or ditched boats in Washington have been addressed since the 2002 launch of its Derelict Vessel Removal Program, per DNR.
This story was originally published July 29, 2024 at 3:00 PM.
