When the shrimp boat Skye Marie caught on fire Tuesday night in Tarpon Springs, the owner Billy Harris said he lost his livelihood.
Harris is now afraid he could lose his freedom, as well.
Harris said he's being told by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that the burned out, partially sunken boat is a derelict vessel and a navigation hazard. He said the agency told him, once he receives official notification, he will have five days to remove the boat or a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
"I've never been locked up a day in my life and I'm 61 years old," said Harris. "I don't have a criminal record, other than speeding tickets like everybody else."
Harris said he's received some quotes from salvage companies. He said they told him it will cost about $100,000 to remove the boat.
"Basically I don't have the money to clean it up. I mean, I could get in a little boat and get a chainsaw and go out there and start cutting it up myself," said Harris. "But what am I going to do with that 25 tons of steel sitting there? Am I supposed to go out there and just throw it in a little boat and try to get it across the river?"
Harris said the FWC informed him that once he's in jail, the state would take over and handle the removal. He said he would be fined for that and the process could take awhile.
Harris said the boat's outrigger is tipped over and he's worried the situation is dangerous.
"My biggest nightmare is that if that rope breaks that holds that thing and falls, it could fall on one of these boats and one of these kids or their families could get hurt. I would have to live with that. The state or somebody needs to step in here and do something," said Harris.
Bay News 9 did contact FWC for a response. A spokesman said he would research the case and get back to us.