Felony littering charges filed after boat runs aground at Freeman Park

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Carolina Beach says that felony littering charges have been filed against the person responsible for abandoning a vessel in waters near Carolina Beach on December 6, 2025.

The boat then drifted and ran aground in Freeman Park the next day.

Charges were filed on January 27, 2026.

The vessel was ungrounded by Carolina Beach’s harbormasters and towed to the municipal marina.

“It is significantly less expensive and less environmentally damaging to remove a vessel while it is still floating, rather than after it becomes submerged and filled with sand,” Senior Harbormaster Jarrett Anderson said.

The town says that boat had not been registered since its sale in 2018 which made it hard to find the owner. However, after posting to social media they received a credible tip and found the owner.

The identity of the owner of the vessel was not released.

Over the past couple of years, the Town of Carolina Beach says they have increased efforts to reduce the number of abandoned and derelict vessels in its waters.

Town officials say the latest felony charges underscore Carolina Beach’s commitment to protecting its shoreline and marine environment. “These charges send a clear message,” Anderson added. “The Town of Carolina Beach will no longer tolerate vessels being abandoned along its shoreline and will make every effort to hold responsible parties accountable.”