Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

COAST NOTE
Old Van,
Bye Bye
MARINE DEBRIS
The Gulf of America Alliance, in coordination with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), recently supported work to remove 18 vessels as part of an ongoing large-scale project across the Gulf Coast. This project is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program.
As part of this effort, abandoned and derelict vessel (ADV) removal in Mississippi began in the summer of 2024, with nine vessels each from Hancock and Harrison counties successfully removed to date. These removals account for approximately 411,000 pounds of debris cleared from coastal waters. The vessels varied widely in type and material, including sailing boats, fishing vessels, houseboats, and recreational crafts made of steel, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
An important benefit of removing an ADV is eliminating the danger it poses to boaters navigating in unknown waters or during limited visibility. Their GPS will not show that there is an obstruction ahead, and vessels hitting submerged or partially submerged objects is a major factor in vessel accidents.
Beyond improving safety, ADV removal also restores natural water flow and supports healthier ecosystems.
“The biggest benefit of the removal of an ADV in a small waterway is that the tidal flow is not impeded anymore,” shared Lipscomb, MDMR’s Mississippi Derelict Vessel Program Coordinator. “I have seen ADVs blocking most of a canal or bayou, then debris, logs, and aquatic plants start to clog the waterway and basically stop the natural water
movement.”
www.gulfofamericaalliance.org
story and photo courtesy of
Gulf of America Alliance
Vicari Auction to
Feature Volkswagen Van
Restored for a Cause
story by Lynn Lofton photo by Katherine Sowers
A specially restored Volkswagen van will be auctioned at the Vicari Auction during Cruisin’ the Coast at the Coast Coliseum October 9 through 11 to benefit the Home of Grace. Donated by Rebecca Von Spreckon of Tennessee, the 1971 van was restored by J3 Restoration to factory showroom condition with zero miles on it.
“She is passionate about saving lives, and the auction will allow us to share the work of the Home of Grace with the audience,” says Home of Grace Executive Director Josh Barton. “I think it’s quite fitting that she took an old van, broken down into pieces, and had it restored, much like the Home of Grace taking in men and women who often come with their lives in pieces, and with God’s help, they are able to have an amazing restoration.”
Funds from the sale will be used to provide scholarships for men and women seeking addiction recovery help.
“This van was hers years ago, and she had many great memories of it,” Barton said. “She always wanted to see it fully restored and wants the van sold so the funds can be used to help men and women seeking addiction recovery help.”
www.homeofgrace.org 844.369.3640
18 | October 2025
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