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Derelict & abandoned vessels

Boats left to drift, sink or rot: navigation hazards that can leak fuel and break into debris.

Why it is a problem

They block channels, damage reefs, seagrass and marshes when they ground, and can leak fuel and hazardous materials (NOAA). [source]
As they break apart they spread debris for years; removal is complex and expensive. Thousands litter US ports and waterways alone (NOAA). [source]

Where they come from: owners who can no longer afford upkeep, boats breaking loose from moorings, theft, and hurricanes that strand many boats at once (NOAA). [source]
How we track them: NOAA IncidentNews reports and public reports. Drifting ones get a forecast (about 3.5% windage plus leeway); grounded or sunk ones are shown fixed.
Law: the IMO Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention makes shipowners responsible for locating, marking and removing hazardous wrecks. [source]
Limits: we only know about reported vessels; positions can be old.

Boat owners: Keep registration and insurance current, maintain the boat, and plan its end of life: recycle parts, dispose of hazardous materials, use turn-in programs where they exist (NOAA). [source]
Before storms: Secure or haul out boats; check moorings.
Policy: Fund removal programs and turn-in schemes; enforce registration.

Do not touch oil, tar balls, dead animals or unknown containers; keep children and pets away; never board a derelict vessel.

Anywhere at sea: Call the local coast guard on VHF channel 16 or your country's emergency number. Give position, time, what you see, and photos if safe.
United States (incl. Puerto Rico, USVI, Gulf coast): Oil or chemical spills: US Coast Guard National Response Center, 1-800-424-8802 (24 h), nrc.uscg.mil. Derelict vessels: state contacts in NOAA's ADV InfoHub.
Florida red tide / fish kills: FWC fish kill hotline 1-800-636-0511, or report online at myfwc.com. Health questions: Florida Poison Information Center 1-800-222-1222.
Mexico: Emergencies 911. Navy (SEMAR) for pollution at sea; environmental complaints to PROFEPA.
Brazil: Maritime emergencies 185 (Marinha do Brasil). Environmental reports: IBAMA (Linha Verde).
Chile: Maritime emergencies 137 (DIRECTEMAR, free, nationwide).
Argentina: Nautical emergencies 106 (Prefectura Naval Argentina).
Colombia, Peru, Central America and others: Contact the national maritime authority / coast guard (e.g. DIMAR in Colombia, DICAPI in Peru) or the local port captain.
Also on this site: Use Report an incident on the map. Reports appear marked unverified. This site does not alert authorities for you.