Wreck Free Fal Leads the Way in Cornwall

Last week, Cornwall Community Foundation Grant Officer, Francis, attended an inspiring event at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth, organised by Wreck Free Fal and Helford. With over 100 attendees, including representatives from the Harbour and Ports Authority, landowners, the Duchy, and local groups such as Sailors Creek CiC and Beach Guardians CiC, the event highlighted the growing issue of abandoned boats clogging Cornwall’s estuaries.

The discussion focused on solutions, with Wreck Free Fal and Helford proposing a levy on boat purchases to fundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. their end-of-life disposal—a model that has already seen success in France. Collaboration was a key theme throughout the event, with all parties recognising the environmental impact of derelict vessels. The Duke of Cornwall Marine Environment Fund was acknowledged for its support in addressing this pressing issue.

The problem of abandoned boats continues to escalate as many vessels from the 1970s and 1980s reach the end of their usable lives. Unlike cars, which have established recycling processes, boats are often left to decay in secluded creeks, releasing oil, diesel, toxic paints, and microplastics into the marine environment. The Fal Estuary alone contains over 4,500 moorings, representing approximately 30,000 tonnes of mostly glass-reinforced plastic boats that will eventually require responsible disposal.

Wreck Free Fal and Helford has taken a proactive approach to tackling this issue by developing a wreck map and database to document and prioritise hazardous wrecks. This ‘crowd-sourced’ initiative encourages community members to report abandoned boats, facilitating collaboration with relevant authorities to mitigate environmental risks.

The event underscored the importance of community engagement and collective action in preserving Cornwall’s estuaries. By working together and adopting innovative solutions, stakeholders can help ensure that Cornwall’s waterways remain safe, clean, and ecologically vibrant for future generations.

For more information or to report an abandoned boat, visit Wreck Free Fal and Helford’s website.