Headline: A Costly Act of Generosity: Volunteers Regret Helping In Salvaging Sunken Sailboat
Mark Griffin thought he was doing a good deed by volunteering to help raise and haul away a sailboat that had been sitting at the bottom of the St. John River for months. However, what started as a public safety initiative turned into a financial nightmare for the Canadian Coast Guard contractor.
Together with hobby diver David Grandy, Griffin estimates he spent between $5,000 and $10,000 in time, fuel, and equipment during the challenging operation. The ordeal was compounded by a malfunctioning pump that almost caused the boat to sink again.
What added salt to the wound was a letter allegedly received by Grandy from the coast guard, warning of potential fines up to $6 million or jail time due to assuming ownership of the salvaged boat. The coast guard spokesperson did not confirm or deny the claims but stated that a salvage company had claimed salvor’s rights and assumed ownership of the vessel.
Griffin expressed frustration over not being given the opportunity to bid on the disposal of the boat, as the coast guard opted to work with a local salvage company. Eventually, the boat was hauled out, crushed, and disposed of with the help of the St. John River Society, covering the costs to ensure the vessel’s removal and safe disposal.
Despite the financial strain and legal concerns, Griffin and Grandy carried on with the task, with Griffin emphasizing that no profit was made from the endeavor. The boat’s parts were carefully salvaged and distributed, with the hope of recovering some value in the future.
The original boat owner, Jordan Tatton, did not respond to questions about potential penalties or costs faced, while the responsibilities for environmental cleanup remained unclear. However, Griffin and Grandy expressed no regrets about their actions, highlighting the importance of removing the hazardous boat from the river.
In the end, Griffin reflected that despite the challenges faced, he would still offer his assistance without hesitation if presented with a similar situation in the future.
Mark Griffin thought he was doing a good deed by volunteering to help raise and haul away a sailboat that had been sitting at the bottom of the St. John River for months. However, what started as a public safety initiative turned into a financial nightmare for the Canadian Coast Guard contractor.
Together with hobby diver David Grandy, Griffin estimates he spent between $5,000 and $10,000 in time, fuel, and equipment during the challenging operation. The ordeal was compounded by a malfunctioning pump that almost caused the boat to sink again.
What added salt to the wound was a letter allegedly received by Grandy from the coast guard, warning of potential fines up to $6 million or jail time due to assuming ownership of the salvaged boat. The coast guard spokesperson did not confirm or deny the claims but stated that a salvage company had claimed salvor’s rights and assumed ownership of the vessel.
Griffin expressed frustration over not being given the opportunity to bid on the disposal of the boat, as the coast guard opted to work with a local salvage company. Eventually, the boat was hauled out, crushed, and disposed of with the help of the St. John River Society, covering the costs to ensure the vessel’s removal and safe disposal.
Despite the financial strain and legal concerns, Griffin and Grandy carried on with the task, with Griffin emphasizing that no profit was made from the endeavor. The boat’s parts were carefully salvaged and distributed, with the hope of recovering some value in the future.
The original boat owner, Jordan Tatton, did not respond to questions about potential penalties or costs faced, while the responsibilities for environmental cleanup remained unclear. However, Griffin and Grandy expressed no regrets about their actions, highlighting the importance of removing the hazardous boat from the river.
In the end, Griffin reflected that despite the challenges faced, he would still offer his assistance without hesitation if presented with a similar situation in the future.
