Boaters, riverkeepers concerned about environmental impact of Golden Ray shipwreck fire

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Andy Jones’ family has been on St. Simons Island for eight generations. An avid boater and fisher, the beaches and water are home to him.

Ever since the Golden Ray, which was carrying 4,200 cars, capsized almost two years ago, Jones has set sail every day on the Minorcan Mullet, documenting cleanup efforts.

He and Altamaha Riverkeeper’s Sue Inman have teamed up to keep the community in the loop.

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“This is constant pollution daily for us,” Inman said.

The Unified Command says its team is sampling water around the wreck. Petty Officer Michael Himes says the fire caused an increase in the volume of pieces of plastic in the water, but added that there are “no public health concerns.”

Inman and Jones are worried about the amount of charred plastics they’ve been picking up from the water.

“This piece is a charred piece and it looks like a piece of the deck,” Inman said as she pulled a piece of plastic from the water. “This is something that’s definitely going to break apart, float into the estuary, it has heavy fuel oil.”

Already frustrated with how long it’s taken crews to make cuts to the ship, Jones says the fire has added insult to injury.

“I fish, I’m on the water, and this beach on Jekyll Island is one of my favorite places... Now we have this operation which has turned into a toxic dump,” Jones said.

Both Jones and Inman hold St. Simons Island near and dear to their hearts.

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“This is a picture of the state,” Inman said.

They’d like to see the ship out of the water as soon as possible.

“They’ve got a tremendous group of guys out here, some of the best in the world... We’re ready to see the ship leave but in a safe manner, protect those guys and let’s also protect the environment,” Jones added.

Cox Media Group