Three months after a July fire on the Ottawa River, the charred hull of a boat still drifts beside the dock of local resident Barry Hornbacher in Toledo, Ohio. The blaze, which injured three passengers, left the vessel partially burned and, according to Hornbacher, leaking oil that creates a rainbow sheen on the water.
Local impact and concerns
Hornbacher, whose Shoreland home sits adjacent to the river, said the fire also damaged a portion of his dock. He noted that on windy days the area emits an unpleasant odor, and the oil slick threatens both the river’s appearance and its environment. “We do not want this to continue to pollute our river,” he said. “We don’t want it to be an eyesore for us or our neighbors, and we really need it just removed.”
ODNR response
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is leading the investigation. A department spokesperson stated that the boat is not currently leaking oil and does not pose a navigational hazard, emphasizing that removal is the responsibility of the vessel’s owner. ODNR also confirmed that charges have been filed against Angelica Perez, identified in court records as the boat’s “occupant” and “owner” at the time of the fire.
Legal dispute over ownership
When 13 Action News reached out to Perez, she acknowledged being on the boat but denied ownership, saying she intended to purchase it the following week but never signed a contract. ODNR, aware of the pending court case, declined further comment, noting that the agency is working through the legal process to determine who must bear the cost of removal.
Hornbacher said he has been in contact with both ODNR and the U.S. Coast Guard since the incident, but the Coast Guard has not responded to inquiries about moving the vessel.
Next steps and community hopes
The Hornbachers hope the boat will be removed before winter freezes the river, which would make extraction more difficult. They stress that the lingering wreck not only mars the scenic riverfront but also poses a potential environmental risk.
ODNR indicated that, should the court determine ownership, the agency could seek to bill the responsible party for removal costs. Until the legal matter is resolved, the boat remains a visible reminder of the July fire and a point of contention for local residents who value a clean, safe river.
Background
On July 17, firefighters responded to a blaze on the Ottawa River that involved a boat carrying three people. All three were transported to a hospital with burn injuries. The fire’s cause has not been publicly disclosed, and the investigation continues.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
