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Carolina Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Felony Littering Charges Filed After Boat Runs Aground at Freeman Park
The Town of Carolina Beach has filed charges against the owner of an abandoned vessel that drifted ashore.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The Town of Carolina Beach has filed felony littering charges against the owner of a boat that was abandoned in the waters near the town and later ran aground at Freeman Park. The boat had not been registered since its sale in 2018, making it difficult to identify the owner. However, after posting on social media, the town received a tip that led them to the owner. The town says it has increased efforts to reduce the number of abandoned and derelict vessels in its waters, and the latest charges are meant to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Why it matters
Abandoned and derelict vessels can pose significant environmental and safety risks, as well as create unsightly and potentially hazardous conditions along the shoreline. The Town of Carolina Beach is taking a strong stance to hold responsible parties accountable and protect its marine environment.
The details
The boat drifted and ran aground in Freeman Park on December 7, 2025, a day after it was abandoned in the waters near Carolina Beach. The town's harbormasters were able to unground the vessel and tow it to the municipal marina. Charges were filed against the owner on January 27, 2026. The town says the boat had not been registered since its sale in 2018, which made it difficult to identify the owner. However, after posting on social media, the town received a credible tip that led them to the owner, whose identity was not released.
- The boat was abandoned in the waters near Carolina Beach on December 6, 2025.
- The boat drifted and ran aground in Freeman Park on December 7, 2025.
- Charges were filed against the owner on January 27, 2026.
The players
Jarrett Anderson
Senior Harbormaster for the Town of Carolina Beach.
Town of Carolina Beach
A coastal town in North Carolina that has increased efforts to reduce the number of abandoned and derelict vessels in its waters.
What they’re saying
“It is significantly less expensive and less environmentally damaging to remove a vessel while it is still floating, rather than after it becomes submerged and filled with sand.”
— Jarrett Anderson, Senior Harbormaster (wwaytv3.com)
“These charges send a clear message. The Town of Carolina Beach will no longer tolerate vessels being abandoned along its shoreline and will make every effort to hold responsible parties accountable.”
— Jarrett Anderson, Senior Harbormaster (wwaytv3.com)
What’s next
The town says it will continue to monitor its waters and take action against any abandoned or derelict vessels to protect the local environment and shoreline.
The takeaway
The Town of Carolina Beach is taking a proactive and aggressive stance against the abandonment of vessels in its waters, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of its coastal environment.
