Mercer Island Marine Patrol: Notice of Intent to Obtain Custody of Vessel

Mercer Island PD Marine Patrol

NOTICE OF INTENT TO OBTAIN CUSTODY

VESSEL: Knot Big Enough with Washington Registration WN5814MC

The Mercer Island Police Department declared the vessel Knot Big Enough, with Washington Registration WN5814MC, as derelict or abandoned. The vessel is located just south of the Newcastle Boat launch in Bellevue, King County, WA.

The Mercer Island Police Department, acting as an authorized public entity with the authority granted in RCW 79.100, intends to take custody of the vessel on October 3, 2022 (Custody Date).  After taking custody of the vessel, the Mercer Island Police Department may use or dispose of it without further notice to the owner. 

In order to keep the vessel, before the Custody Date, the owner must:

• Get authorization to moor or anchor the vessel in its current location, or
• Move it to an anchorage area, moorage facility, or storage location that authorizes the vessel.
• Remove the vessel from the water.

If the owner wants to reclaim the vessel after the Mercer Island Police Department has custody, or wants to challenge the Mercer Island Police Department’s decision to take custody, the owner must file a written appeal with the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) and serve a copy on the Mercer Island Police Department.  Addresses are in the boxes below:

The appeal must include the following information:

• A copy of this notice or a copy of the notification letter to the owner. 
• Your name and address (mailing and legal, if different) and, if applicable, the name and address of your representative.
• A daytime phone number.
• A brief statement why you are appealing.
• A statement of what you want the Pollution Control Hearings Board to do.
• Your signature or that of your representative. This signature certifies that the content of the appeal is true.

See Environmental & Land Use Hearings Office or call the PCHB at the number above with appeal questions.

The owner may submit the appeal immediately, but the PCHB must receive it no later than November 4, 2022 (Appeal Date).  The owner waives the right to a hearing if the PCHB does not receive an appeal on or before the Appeal Date.  The owner is then liable for any costs incurred by the Mercer Island Police Department in responding to the vessel. 

These costs may include all administrative costs incurred by the Mercer Island Police Department, removal and disposal costs, and costs associated with environmental damages directly or indirectly caused by the vessel. If there is a law suit, the successful party may receive reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

The Mercer Island Police Department also may pursue any other remedies available under law.  For example, the Mercer Island Police Department may take temporary possession of the vessel under the circumstances described in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 79.100.040(3). You can find a copy of this law online at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79.100 .

For more information, contact Sgt. Chad Schumacher at the Mercer Island Police Department at 206-275-7920 or Chad.Schumacher@mercergov.org.