Abandoned sailboat removed from bay
The abandoned sailboat Anne Bonny, named after a famous Irish female pirate, was removed from Phaëton Bay in Taravao on Thursday by the Autonomous Port and the company Enviropol. The boat had been identified as clearly abandoned after being left to sink over the weekend.Community group raises alarm
Sabrina Birk, a spokesperson for the collective Te Aua'a ia ora, raised the alarm about the abandoned boat and praised the swift action taken by authorities. She had planned to meet with the Autonomous Port on Wednesday, where it was confirmed that a team would be sent to remove the vessel.Operation to float and tow the boat
Following inspections the day before, agents from the Autonomous Port of Papeete mobilized on Thursday morning to recover the boat. Using two divers, floats, and a pump, they floated the boat and towed it to the neighboring dock of Tatutu in Papeari. An inspection found a water leak at the back of the boat near the waterline.Disassembly and removal of the boat
With the help of a crane truck, the boat was placed on land and then handed over to Enviropol, a specialized company that disassembled and removed the vessel on site. The company will also process the materials from the boat for proper disposal or recycling.Preventive measures for cyclone season
As the cyclone season approaches, the Autonomous Port plans a new intervention in Phaëton Bay to secure the area. A team will be sent next week to identify any other abandoned sailboats in the bay, working with local residents, sailors, and rowers to prevent similar incidents.Future plans for mooring management
Sabrina Birk is already considering future steps to improve mooring management and prevent abandoned boats from becoming a problem again. She aims to work with local stakeholders to ensure better oversight and maintenance of the bay’s waters.
