Beached and Abandoned: Santa Barbara County Confronts 'Toxic' Boat Wrecks

Santa Barbara County officials discussed repeat wrecks of derelict, abandoned boats that they say have become a hazardous and costly problem for beaches and nearby marine ecosystems. Since 2021, the county has seen more than 31 boat wrecks—about six to 10 per year—according to Wade Cowper, chief of staff for Supervisor Roy Lee. Cowper said the issue worsened after the City of Santa Barbara introduced “enforcement changes” for anchorage that appeared to push more decrepit vessels into county waters. Wrecks are most frequent around Montecito and Summerland, including two incidents at Montecito’s Butterfly Beach in one week in July. Cleanup often costs nonprofits $5,000 to $15,000 or more per boat, and grants have not kept pace.