Question: Why is there an old, presumably abandoned boat permanently parked at Mitchell Field near the bandstand? It’s such an eyesore.
Robin Casey, Harpswell Neck
Answer: The vessel was once moored in Mackerel Cove, but last summer it began taking on water and nearly sank, according to town officials.
Harpswell Harbormaster Paul Plummer said his staff pumped it out twice, and Sea Tow had to intervene a third time to keep it afloat.
“After numerous attempts to contact the owner to have it removed, I had the vessel removed from the water to prevent it from sinking,” Plummer said in an email.
Because it is unknown whether the boat still contains fuel, oil or other environmental hazards, he said, it couldn’t be stored at the town’s Recycling Center. So Plummer had it placed at Mitchell Field.
“The Town Administration is now working with the Town Attorney to determine next steps to have the vessel either removed or disposed of,” he said.
Harpswell officials have spent months trying to contact the boat’s owner, Andrew Coyne, through certified letters, phone calls, emails and even hand delivery by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, according to Plummer.
None of those efforts have been successful. Similarly, the Anchor was unable to reach Coyne for comment.
Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said Harpswell’s attorney has recommended sending a final written notice requiring Coyne to remove the boat. If that fails, the harbormaster may issue a criminal summons, which could clear the way for the town to remove or dispose of the vessel.
For now, the boat remains on town property while officials work through the legal process. Plummer said he would be glad to hear from the owner if Coyne decides to respond.
J. Craig Anderson, Reporter, Harpswell Anchor
Send “Ask the Anchor” questions to joliver@harpswellanchor.org.
