LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for the public’s help in locating the owner of an abandoned boat discovered earlier this month.

MDC agents found the boat Oct. 8 at Hazelgreen Access on the Gasconade River in Laclede County. The boat is described as a 1994 Nitro 180RS fiberglass bass boat with a 125 Mercury Tracker Pro Series engine.

Authorities say the boat and engine are inoperable, while authorities have not been able to verify its registration and identification numbers. Photos from the MDC reveal that the interior of the boat is very dirty, suggesting that it may have been abandoned for an extended period of time.

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Under Missouri law, the boat owner could be subject to penalties for littering and failure to display an identification number.

Environmentalists warn that abandoning a boat on a public waterway could cause serious environmental risks. Over time, boats can leak fuel, oil or other hazardous substances that pose a threat to aquatic life. Many boats are also made of fiberglass, metals and plastics which are not biodegradable and could contaminate waterways.

It appears some workers recently removed the boat from the river, according to MDC photos. It is unclear whether the abandoned boat caused significant environmental damage.

If you have relevant information to pass on about the abandoned boat and its possible owner, contact MDC Cpl. Jarrad Jewell at 417-718-1111.

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