NAGS HEAD, N.C. (AP) - The coronavirus pandemic could delay the removal of a 72-foot long fishing vessel that has been grounded for weeks on a beach on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
The scallop harvesting boat is considered a safety hazard as curious people climb aboard its rusting hull.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Saturday that removing the abandoned boat could cost more than $60,000.
The boat’s owner is responsible for its removal. But the owner lives in Texas. And stay-at-home orders have limited travel between states. Visitors are also banned from coming to the Outer Banks.
The ship is named Ocean Pursuit. It ran aground during a storm on March 1 about 50 yards from shore near Oregon Inlet.
The Coast Guard rescued the crew and oversaw the removal of fuel and other hazardous materials.
The surf has since driven the 41-year-old vessel to a remote section of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is rusting and filling with sand.
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