(a) An abandoned vessel, including all cargo, tackle and equipment, seized pursuant to this article, which remains unclaimed after notice, shall be deemed forfeited, as set forth in G.S. § 14-399(g).
(b) A vessel having a value less than $500 may be disposed of at any suitable solid waste facility.
(c) A vessel having a value of $500 or greater shall be disposed of as provided in G.S. § 44A, with the proceeds paying for the towing, removal, and storage charges, accrued civil fines, and environmental restoration costs. The remaining proceeds, if any, shall be deposited into the general fund of the town and designated for use to abate or remove abandoned vessels and restore environmental damage resulting from abandoned vessels.
(d) Any vessel, cargo, tackle, or equipment remaining unsold after being offered at public sale may be disposed of at any suitable solid waste facility.
(e) Within ten days following the disposal or public sale of any vessel previously registered in any state, or meeting the requirements for registration prior to operation in North Carolina, the Police Chief shall provide notice to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and the agency responsible for registration in the state of any previously registered vessel. The contents of the notice, shall include, if available:
(1) Vessel registration number;
(2) Manufacturer, model, year;
(3) NC title number (if applicable);
(4) Hull identification number;
(5) A description of the reason for being disposed of or sold as an abandoned vessel;
(6) Type of disposition and location;
(7) Full name and address of the purchaser (if applicable); and
(8) Date of sale and sale price (if applicable).
(Ord. passed 1-3-2024)