Monday June 9, 2025
California State Lands Commission —
The State Lands Commission has conducted the largest single-site commercial abandoned vessel abatement and site restoration action in its history.
Abandoned vessels have plagued waterways throughout the state for decades, but nowhere are they more concentrated than in the Delta. The abandoned vessels the Commission removed from the Sevenmile Slough area of the Delta, at a location known as the Skarry site, had been abandoned in the water for years, continued to deteriorate, and were a navigational hazard. They were highly visible, attracting scavengers and vandals and marring the serenity of this beautiful area.
“The Delta is one of California’s most vital and cherished waterways, and it deserves to be protected,” said Lieutenant Governor and State Lands Commission Chair Eleni Kounalakis. “These abandoned vessels not only pose environmental and navigational hazards but also threaten the health and safety of nearby communities. As Chair of the State Lands Commission, I’m proud that we are taking decisive action to restore this site, protect our natural resources, and prevent illegal dumping in our public waterways.”
Skarry Brothers was a marine construction business that dumped its equipment in the Slough. Michael Skarry, the last known responsible party, died without disposing of his vessels and machinery, despite efforts by multiple agencies to hold him responsible. The abandoned vessels include several large crane barges, two tugboats, and smaller work and recreational vessels. Divers discovered another sunken vessel and other debris while the removal work was underway.