WADMALAW ISLAND, S.C. — On Tuesday, August 19, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), in partnership with Stevens Towing, successfully removed a 120-foot former U.S. Navy torpedo vessel from Bohicket Creek near Johns Island. The removal addressed long-standing environmental and navigational hazards and preserved the integrity of the adjacent marsh ecosystems.

Grounded beside a private dock for over two years, the vessel was previously central to the first arrest made under South Carolina’s recently enacted abandoned boat law, authored and championed by Senator Chip Campsen. In late 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard had removed approximately 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the vessel after deeming it an environmental threat.

“Removing this vessel is about more than cleaning up an eyesore — it’s about protecting the health of our marshes, waterways, and coastal communities,” said Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of SCDNR. “Our salt marshes are among South Carolina’s most valuable natural resources, serving as nurseries for fish and shellfish, providing habitat for wildlife, and buffering our coastlines. Protecting these ecosystems is essential to the future of our state.”

Senator Chip Campsen and Dr. Mark Hartley, Chairman of the SCDNR Board, joined Director Mullikin during the removal event to spotlight the importance of safeguarding South Carolina’s coastal habitats. Their presence underscored how legislative leadership and agency enforcement together ensure the success of efforts to address the abandoned and derelict vessel (ADV) challenge.

ADVs pose increasing risks across South Carolina’s waterways. As vessels deteriorate, they can leak oil, fuel, and other hazardous substances, which smother marsh vegetation, threaten wildlife, and degrade water quality. ADVs also present navigational dangers—especially when partially submerged or unlit.

The successful removal of the Bohicket Creek torpedo vessel marks a significant milestone in SCDNR’s ongoing commitment to restoring sensitive habitats, protecting coastal resources, and improving public safety on our waterways.