(A) It is unlawful to abandon a watercraft or outboard motor on the public lands or waters of this state or city or on private property without permission of the property owner. This section does not apply to persons who abandon a watercraft in an emergency for the safety of the persons onboard; however, after the emergency is over, the owner and operator of the abandoned watercraft shall make a bona fide attempt to recover the watercraft.
(B) If a watercraft or floating structure is found to be in violation of § 134.54 (mooring permit required to moor or anchor within territorial limits of the city) and the permit holder or owner fails to respond within 45 days, this shall constitute abandonment.
(C) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 or imprisoned up to 30 days, or both. In addition, the owner must remove the abandoned watercraft within 14 days of conviction. The city municipal court is vested with jurisdiction for cases arising under this section.
(D) An abandoned watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor may be removed at the risk and the expense of the owner and disposed of by the city. If removed by the city, all costs associated with the removal and storage of the watercraft shall become a lien against the watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the city from exercising its rights to bring an action to recover such costs associated with the removal and storage of the watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor by the city. (S.C. Code § 50-21-190)).
(Ord. 22-20, passed 10-13-20; Am. Ord. 005-24, passed 3-12-24) Penalty, see § 134.99