A NUMBER of wrecked boats could be dismantled and removed from rivers, foreshores and waterways across Cornwall, with Truro and Penryn hosting the lion’s share.

Vessel abandonment has increasingly become an issue in ports, harbours and marinas across the Duchy. On occasion, fishing vessels and commercial vessels are also abandoned.

A meeting of Cornwall Harbours Board will hear this week that any of these vessels can obstruct navigational channels or moorings for other port users or present a pollution and/or environmental risk.

The board is likely agree on Thursday that its maritime team should appoint a licensed contractor to dismantle, remove and dispose of all vessels identified as unserviceable.

The cost to remove and dispose of the unserviceable boats and wrecks is likely to cost approximately £165,000.

A report to the board says: “The removal of all vessels detailed in this report will require the use of the Cornwall Harbours General Reserve, or harbour specific reserve, if all are to be removed in the next financial year to meet the balance of disposal costs.”

Vessels identified as unserviceable and which harbour area they are within include Another One, Lafala, Atalanta Hull, Tees Surveyor and Urchin, all in Truro; and Sundancer in Penryn.

Vessels identified as a wreck (no longer floating) include Trewbygar, Jakam 47, Andvari, Inicita, Jorja Louise and Gamrie Bay, all in Penryn; and Lindy Lou, Mevagissey Tosher, Pipedream, Truro and Steel Wreck Victoria Point, all in Truro.

Vessels identified as at risk include Finley, Bin Liner, Sula, Maid of Meva, Daisy, Dolphin, Dixie and Laguna, all in Truro; Fox Trott, Escape, Dorcas, Altair, Little Auk, Kingfisher, Tevelli, Spirit and Compass Rose, all in Penryn; Lady Peggy (previously Samola), Hurley Maid and Anna Elizabeth, all in Bude; and Ice Maiden and Yesterday’s Dreams, both in Penzance.