Community Corner

Anchored Boat Runs Aground During Storm

It was the second time this same sailboat has dragged its anchor in two weeks.


A sailboat anchored in Greenwich Cove dragged its anchor Thursday, March 7, during the nor'easter, running aground just south of the Goddard Park boat launch. The boat was towed to the town dock and has permission to stay there for two days while other arrangements are made.

The same boat drifted up the cove two weeks earlier and had to be towed. 

According to Harbormaster Jim Cullen, the boat's anchor was a single small Danforth-style of only about 8 pounds – the sort of anchor a boater may use for a short-term anchoring.

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"It's completely inadequate for a storm, or for long-term use," he said.

Cullen, who is currently out of state but has been kept abreast of the issue by the Warwick harbormaster, said it's unusual for a boat to be anchored over the winter in Greenwich Cove. 

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"There are rules against anchoring in the ferry ways or in the mooring field," said Cullen, which pretty much rules out the cove for anchoring. But, he noted, "it is the off season and there’s nobody there to enforce it basically."

 He said the owner of the boat is a commercial fisherman who is away for weeks at a time. 

As far as anchoring and leaving it over the winter in Greenwich Cove, Cullen said, "This is very unusual."

He said the boat's owner will be cited.  


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