NORFOLK, Va. — Two abandoned boats disrupting helicopter operations near the naval base shoreline in Willoughby Bay will be removed as part of a sweeping regional effort to clear local waterways of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) starting on Monday.
The removal marks the start of a large-scale initiative led by Lynnhaven River Now (LRNow), a local environmental nonprofit, with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Over the next year, LRNow plans to remove up to 100 abandoned vessels that pose environmental and navigational risks across Hampton Roads and surrounding regions.
“These abandoned boats are more than just an eyesore, they’re a serious threat to our waterways,” said LRNow Executive Director Karen Forget. “They leak fuel, harm sensitive habitats, and endanger boaters and military operations alike.”…