Oregon’s Abandoned Boats: A Growing Crisis on Our Rivers | Oregon Field Guide

Video Description

Oregon’s waterways face a growing dilemma as abandoned and derelict boats pile up. Left behind by owners unable to cover costs, many become floating hazards or precarious shelters for people with nowhere else to go. The result is a collision of housing insecurity and public safety, with removal costs that can exceed $1 million for a single vessel. The issue remains a persistent cycle— as old boats are removed, new ones often take their place, highlighting the difficult intersection of environmental stewardship, public safety, and the housing crisis. For more on this story visit: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/10/02/oregon-derelict-vehicles-waterways-boats-livaboards-multnomah-portland-columbia-willamette/ For more stories like this visit OPB online at https://opb.org --- Oregon Public Broadcasting aims to elevate and amplify the community, connect Oregon and its neighbors, and illuminate a wider world through stories. OPB Every Day. OPB Everywhere. One way to support OPB and the work of public media is to subscribe to our channel for new OPB videos every month: https://www.youtube.com/opb?sub_confirmation=1 Member support makes all the videos on the OPB YouTube channel possible, and everything else you love. Ensure the next important story is covered and join in as a Sustainer now at https://give.opb.org/opb/?s=OAMEGNS220500000 #OregonFieldGuide #DerelictBoats #AbandonedVessels #OregonWaters #PacificNorthwest #OPB #Oregon #PacificNorthWest