TARGET 11: Abandoned boats create hazards on Pittsburgh rivers

Pittsburgh's three rivers are home to one of the largest numbers of registered pleasure boats in the United States. But that can also lead to big problems, like abandoned boats. Those boats aren't just an eyesore but create real safety concerns and environmental issues. Target 11 has learned that officers from the Fish and Boat Commission are now working to clean up the problem.

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While out cruising the water with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, it didn't take long to find abandoned boats.

"This is a 28-foot recreational craft that in one way or another has been abandoned," said Michael Johnson, who works for the Fish and Boat Commission.

Abandoned boats can cause a number of safety problems. Some people will see them and think they're sinking and call 911, bringing out river rescue. Drone 11 captured an abandoned boat floating down the Ohio River, and two weeks later Chopper 11 found it had drifted past the Carnegie Science Center and into a dock run by Riverquest, a nonprofit educational center for students and teachers. The boat's presence means the group can't use part of the dock.

Abandoned commercial vessels like ones Target 11 spotted in the water have potential to create environmental issues. One that's been sitting underwater for years has prompted fears because fuel may still be on board.

"You have to be very careful of doing more harm, pulling it out if those tanks were still with fuel, or if there was some other type of hazardous material in there," said Johnson.

The poor resale value of fiberglass boats and expensive disposal costs may be contributing to the problem. Target 11 found abandoned boats where owners had actually scratched off the vessel's serial numbers and simply let the boat drift away. And there's little incentive for salvage companies to come in and fix the problem.

"Fiberglass boats hold little to no value, so towing companies are reluctant to take them and put them on their lot if they're never going to get rid of them, or if it's going to cost them money to get rid of them," said Johnson.

There are more than 66,000 registered boats in Allegheny County. Pittsburgh isn't the only community dealing with abandoned boats. In Palmetto, Florida, the situation has become so bad that the city is considering an ordinance that would give authorities guidelines for removing boats and access to state funding to help pay for it. In an effort to deal with the problem in Pittsburgh, the Fish and Boat Commission plans to meet with the Coast Guard and the Pittsburgh Police Department.

The meeting with the Coast Guard and Pittsburgh Police Department is scheduled for May 25.

Cox Media Group