Monday, April 20, 2009
The economy isn't the only think that's sinking. Luxury boat owners are opting to sink their vessels instead of paying for maintenance or storage fees. Some of the boats are abandoned, but some are being purposely sunk in order to claim insurance money. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Major Paul Ouellette says it's a crime, but the owners are doing the best to make sure their boats can't be traced back to them by grniding off the ID numbers. It's insurance fraud, and Oellette says it's happening so much there aren't enough officers to keep an eye on things. The sunken vessels also provide hazards for the environment and other boats. Oellette says the boats can break up and leave debris, which is hazardous for recreational boaters.