Removal of Abandoned Navy Torpedo Retriever HAZAR Announced

Charleston, South Carolina, August 18, 2025

News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has set a removal date for the derelict Navy torpedo retriever HAZAR, which has remained stuck in Bohicket Creek for over four years. Abandoned by its owner, Sam Kodaimati, the 120-foot vessel faces several environmental and navigational concerns, leading to a comprehensive multi-agency response. Stevens Towing has been contracted for its removal with ongoing considerations for the vessel’s future use.

Charleston, South Carolina – The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has announced that the derelict Navy torpedo retriever, HAZAR, will be removed from Bohicket Creek on August 19, 2025. The vessel has been stuck in the marsh for more than four years after being abandoned post-storm.

The 120-foot research vessel was acquired at an auction in Rhode Island and reached South Carolina in July 2021. Its owner, Sam Kodaimati, left the ship near a private dock on Johns Island, but his actions led to his arrest for abandoning the watercraft. Kodaimati now faces multiple charges, which include significant fines up to $43,000 due to stricter regulations designed to manage abandoned vessels.

To facilitate the removal, Stevens Towing, a marine transportation and salvage company based in Charleston, has been awarded a contract worth $235,000. Efforts to address the environmental impact of HAZAR have been underway since last year, with the Coast Guard removing approximately 3,500 gallons of oil and oily water from the vessel in September 2024 due to pollution concerns.

Officials are currently deliberating the fate of HAZAR following its removal, weighing options between transforming it into an artificial reef or dismantling it completely. Local residents have long expressed concerns regarding the vessel’s potential environmental and navigational hazards, escalating calls for its removal for several years.

Tom Mullikin, the director of SCDNR, highlighted the agency’s commitment to safeguarding coastal resources and protecting sensitive habitats from potential harm caused by derelict vessels. He emphasized the collaborative efforts among the Coast Guard, SCDNR, and other environmental agencies throughout this remediation process.

Since its entry into South Carolina waters in July 2021, HAZAR has obstructed recreational access in the area, leading to increasing frustration from the local community. The removal of HAZAR is a critical step towards restoring safe navigation and ensuring environmental protection in Bohicket Creek.

Background Context

Derelict vessels like HAZAR pose significant challenges for both environmental health and navigation in South Carolina’s waterways. Such cases emphasize the importance of state laws aiming to regulate watercraft that are abandoned. The consequences of abandoning a vessel can include not only fines but also potential legal actions that hold owners accountable for their responsibilities.

In this instance, Kodaimati’s decision to abandon HAZAR has triggered a multi-agency response to prevent further environmental degradation and ensure public safety. The commitment to cleaning up waterways aligns with broader conservation efforts and highlights the importance of maintaining South Carolina’s natural maritime resources.

Summary of Key facts

• Removal date: August 19, 2025
• Vessel: Navy torpedo retriever HAZAR
• Duration stranded: Over 4 years
• Contractor for removal: Stevens Towing ($235,000)
• Pollution response: 3,500 gallons of oil removed by Coast Guard
• Owner: Sam Kodaimati, facing fines up to $43,000
• Future of vessel: Artificial reef vs. demolition

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Additional Resources

• Charleston Business: Johns Island Properties
• Post and Courier: Abandoned Boat Oil Spill
• ABC News 4: Diesel Spill on Johns Island
• Live 5 News: Diesel Spill on Johns Island
• The State: Johns Island News
• Wikipedia: Abandoned Vessel
• Google Search: Abandoned Boats Environmental Impact
• Google Scholar: Abandoned Boats Cleanup
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Pollution
• Google News: South Carolina Environmental News

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.