A patchwork houseboat that had overstayed its welcome is finally off the water.
Mobile crews removed the dilapidated vessel from Dog River last Friday, adding it to the growing list of abandoned boats cleared from local waterways.
The structure had been floating in plain sight for years—quiet, weathered, and mostly forgotten. Until now.
This was the 14th vessel removed since a city cleanup program launched last year.
The Houseboat That Wouldn’t Leave
It wasn’t your typical boat.
This one was homemade—pieced together with various materials and shaped more like a backyard project than a river-worthy ride.
But over time, it became more than just an odd sight. The boat sat for so long that it started to blend into the landscape, like a floating relic of better days.
Removing it took coordination, equipment, and a plan to tow it out without causing more damage. The job was handled by the Mobile Police Department’s Homeland Security Unit and Traffic Division. Once out of the water, it was hauled to SA Recycling for proper disposal.
Big Effort Backed by Bigger Goals
This isn’t a one-off effort. The houseboat was just one piece of a much larger mission to clean up Mobile’s rivers, creeks, and bays.
Back in 2020, officials surveyed the area and made a list—boats, piers, docks, even boathouses that were falling apart or completely abandoned.
In March of 2024, the city officially kicked off a removal program.
It’s backed by $460,000 in NOAA grant money, along with help from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other groups.
The idea is simple: safer, cleaner, better-looking waterways.
From River Hazard to Scrap Metal
Old boats don’t just sit around quietly. They break apart, leak fluids, and get in the way of fishing, paddling, and rescue operations.
By removing vessels like this one, crews reduce the risk of accidents and free up space for more enjoyable use. In some cases, they’re also helping restore habitats for fish, birds, and plants.
The houseboat wasn’t just an eyesore—it was a safety issue. Now it’s on a trailer, heading toward a second life as recycled material.
Fourteen Down, More to Go
Dog River alone has seen 14 boats removed so far, and that number will keep growing. The city’s goal is to keep up the momentum and stay ahead of future problems before they float in and settle.
Each removal is a small win—one more step toward reclaiming the water for everyone who enjoys it.
Progress You Can Actually See
It’s easy to miss progress when it happens quietly. But when an entire boat vanishes from a public waterway, that’s hard to ignore.
Dog River looks a little better this week. A little cleaner. A little more open.
And that’s something you can see for yourself, no announcement needed.
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