PORT ANGELES — A 42-foot cabin cruiser Eudora that washed ashore on the north side of Ediz Hook last Wednesday evening remained stuck on the rocks on Tuesday while the owner worked with state agencies to get it removed.
“Ecology called DNR on Friday. We went to come get it, but unless the owner gives custody, it takes 30 days to take possession,” said Joe Smillie, spokesman for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“He told Ecology and the Coast Guard he had somebody who could get it for him.
“Sometimes it works,” Smillie added.
If there’s an immediate threat to navigation, the U.S. Coast Guard will clean up the scene and secure the vessel, he said.
“If the vessel is broken up, then there is an emergency custody process. But taking possession of a person’s property is a process. It’s not something we do lightly,” Smillie said.
A Port Angeles police report listed the owner as 51-year-old David G. Schroeder who, they said, told police he bought the boat at an auction.
Jon Picker, Port of Port Angeles airport and marina manager, wrote in an email that the vessel was sold at auction and the new owner needed to complete some engine work for it to get underway.
“It took a while for him to complete the needed work and the vessel got underway Thursday evening,” he said.
“Boats are destroyed if not sold at auction and the cost is partially recouped from the state.”
The Eudora washed up on Ediz Hook at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Port Angeles Police Department report.
The Coast Guard tried towing the vessel off the rocks but was unsuccessful and turned the situation over to the owner and DNR.
Ty Keltner, state Department of Ecology spokesman, said if there were a fuel leak or oil spill or hazmat issue, Ecology would be involved. But since that material was removed earlier, Ecology doesn’t have much of a role at this point, he said.
“To be clear, the owner of the vessel is still responsible and liable for the wreckage,” Keltner said.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
