Yacht on Wreck: Who’s Responsible? | Belfast News

A fiberglass yacht has become a bizarre, permanent resident atop the rusting wreck of the S.S. Empire Tana in Strangford Lough, sparking local outrage over the eyesore and environmental concerns. The yacht, freed during a 2024 storm, now sits atop the historic vessel — once an Italian ship sunk in 1941, refloated by the British, renamed, and finally lost again in 1947. While divers explore the famed “Lee’s Wreck,” residents complain about the visual blight and demand accountability from owners. Local councilor Joe Boyle admits enforcement is tough — owners are hard to find, and fuel levels are low, minimizing immediate environmental risk. But the real power lies with DAERA, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs — who say they lack legal authority under the 2009 Marine Coastal Access Act to force removal. The ball’s in their court, but without new legislation, they’re powerless. It’s a frustrating stalemate: the public wants cleanup, but the system won’t budge. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d8ff7ad9e7bbac76