Washington State Airlifts Abandoned Boats from Tribal Island

Spectators along Washington’s Puget Sound witnessed an unusual sight this week as the state Department of Natural Resources used firefighting helicopters to airlift 14 abandoned boats from Squaxin Island in what officials called their largest derelict vessel removal operation to date. The surreal scene of boats soaring through the air captivated onlookers, with one marina owner describing the sight of a sailboat with its mast flying overhead as “very, very weird.”

The unprecedented cleanup operation, funded by a $1 million federal NOAA grant, targeted vessels that had drifted onto the culturally significant tribal land and become stranded in hard-to-reach coves, mudflats, and areas near the tree line, according to Associated Press.

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Cultural and Environmental Mission

The cleanup operation held special significance for the Squaxin Island Tribe, whose members continue to use the 4.5-mile-long uninhabited island for traditional fishing, hunting, shellfish gathering, and camping activities. Following the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek, the island became the main area reserved for the tribe after they were forced to give up vast territories across western Washington state.

“The Squaxin Island Tribe is very enthusiastic about this opportunity to work with DNR to clean-up derelict vessels on tribal lands,” said Daniel Kuntz, the tribe’s policy and program manager. “Maintaining clean beaches and water are essential to the Squaxin Island culture to ensure gathering access for future generations.”

Innovative Logistics Solution

While helicopter boat removals typically require expensive private aviation services, state officials chose to repurpose one of their existing firefighting helicopters for this mission. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove explained that this approach proved more cost-effective and helped maximize the impact of the federal grant funding.

The aerial approach became necessary because traditional towing methods would have severely disrupted the marine environment. Many of the targeted locations featured sensitive kelp beds that serve as crucial habitat for forage fish that salmon depend on for survival, according to King 5 News.

Public Spectacle and Safety

Kate Gervais, owner of Boston Harbor Marina north of Olympia, found herself with an unexpected front-row seat to the unusual operation. As someone accustomed to seeing boats exclusively in water, the sight of vessels flying overhead created a memorable juxtaposition. “The sail boat with the mast was the weirdest one to see,” she told reporters.

The operation attracted crowds of curious onlookers, with some positioning themselves strategically to photograph and video the airborne vessels. The dramatic backdrop of the Washington State Capitol building visible during some lifts added to the spectacle’s visual impact.

Ongoing Environmental Challenge

This week’s operation represents just a fraction of the broader derelict vessel problem facing Washington waters. Since the state’s boat removal program began in 2002, the Department of Natural Resources has removed more than 1,200 abandoned vessels from state waters. However, officials estimate at least 300 more derelict boats remain scattered throughout the region, with new discoveries made regularly.

The abandoned vessels pose multiple environmental threats beyond visual pollution. Deteriorating boats can leak fuel, oil, and other hazardous materials into marine ecosystems. They also create navigation hazards for recreational and commercial vessels and can damage sensitive shoreline habitats during storms when they break apart or shift position.

Federal Partnership Success

The NOAA grant that funded this operation reflects growing federal recognition of derelict vessel problems affecting coastal communities nationwide. The partnership between federal agencies, state departments, and tribal governments demonstrates how different levels of government can coordinate to address complex environmental challenges that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

The helicopter method, while expensive, often proves more environmentally responsible than alternative removal techniques. Traditional vessel recovery using tugboats and barges can damage underwater vegetation and disturb marine life, particularly in shallow waters where many abandoned boats eventually come to rest, according to ABC News.

As the last boat was airlifted from Squaxin Island to the mainland for proper disposal, the operation marked both an environmental victory and a successful collaboration between state agencies and tribal partners. The flying boats may have provided unusual entertainment for spectators, but their removal ensures that the island’s waters and shores remain clean for future generations of tribal members and the marine life that calls these waters home.

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