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Local nonprofit aims to clean up boat graveyard

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Posted at 12:43 PM, Aug 04, 2022
and last updated 2022-08-04 17:48:15-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A local nonprofit has their sights set on removing abandoned and derelict vessels in a boat graveyard near Pungo.

The graveyard is located on the North Landing River. Vessel Disposal & Reuse Foundation (VDRF) director Mike Provost said there are 13 boats that have been left to rot.

Related: Abandoned boats in Virginia Beach create eyesore, environmental and safety concerns

He said the boats are an eyesore and a hazard to both boaters and marine life. The area is also located adjacent to a nature preserve.

Provost said the graveyard is near 3,400 acres of protected wetlands.

VDRF is raising nearly $70,000 to remove and recycle the derelict vessels in late 2022.

The fundraiser to remove the boats is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Wasserhund, located at 1805 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. There will be balloon animals, a raffle, live music and professional magician Tony Jones.

Provost would like to thank everyone who has donated, as well as Lynnhaven Marine who is VDRF's newest sponsor.