The Duchy of Cornwall is taking action to address the growing issue of abandoned boats polluting the River Avon in Devon. Local residents have raised concerns about six dilapidated vessels, one nearly submerged at high tide, and the potential environmental damage from their fuel and oil.
Prince William's estate the Duchy of Cornwall is stepping in after concerns were raised about dilapidated hulks on a south Devon river. The duchy, which owns the riverbed on the River Avon, said it was 'working in conjunction with our moorings manager to deal with a small number of abandoned boats '. Locals have raised their fears about six boats, one of which is almost covered by water at high tide and the potential pollution from fuel and oil on board.
The rising number of abandoned boats has led to a headache for harbourmasters, especially in popular sailing areas like the South East and South West, according to the British Ports Association (BPA).The abandoned boats have grown in number over the last couple of years said local wildlife artist John Ashton who gets much of his inspiration from the river.'There are more wrecks here now than I have ever seen and I've been here for about 40 years.' Mr Ashton admitted that identifying the owners could be difficult because there was no legally-enforced recreational boat registration in the UK.A lack of regulation and legal registration of boats in the UK could result in vessels being dumped, it said and vessel registration was an 'essential' step forward in tackling the problem.Chris Craven, who owns the Creekside Boatyard on the River Dart, has a row of about six boats that have been abandoned by their owners.'You don't want them sinking in the river because that causes an even bigger problem and damages the environment. 'So sometimes you feel morally obliged to get the boat out of the water to stop the area you love getting polluted. 'They all have oils, fuels, greases and paints in them and we just can't afford to have them uncontrolled in the river.'Mr Craven said 'at a conservative estimate' there were at least 100 abandoned boats on the Dart. 'It would take two to three weeks to dismantle each one which we won't get paid for, it's not economic,' he sai
ABANDONED BOATS POLLUTION ENVIRONMENT DUCHY OF CORNWALL DEVON
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