Abandoned vessel in Portsmouth moves from City Park

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Many people noticed the abandoned vessel at Portsmouth’s City Park, complaining about it being an eyesore and a public nuisance.

On a return visit to City Park, 10 On Your Side found the derelict vessel, which appeared to be abandoned. Now, it’s at a dock in the Glenshellah neighborhood in Portsmouth, and the man who said he now has the title to the boat plans to move and restore it.

Earlier Wednesday, the man who is responsible for the vessel showed up to board the Troy. He was at the dock, where the owner of the dock had told him to leave immediately.

When 10 On Your Side saw him walking down the dock, we asked him to share his side of the story.

About a month ago, we reported on the Troy, and found Vikki Broyles, who lives in Chesapeake and drives past three parks to get to her favorite, which is Portsmouth’s City Park.

“We love to come here, but it is so unsightly because this is a beautiful park,” she said.

Today, the Troy is gone and has moved to a new dock down river.

VMRC Director of Communications Zach Widgeon said the man on the vessel is Willie Brown.

“He called the property owner and asked if they could temporarily dock the vessel since that spot wasn’t being used to make preparations to remove it from the river,” Widgeon said.

The property owner, who did not want to be identified, told 10 On Your Side Brown just tied the Troy up, and did not ask permission first, and then called him only afterwards. The owner told Brown he had to be out by the weekend, and that was three weeks ago.

Brown showed up at the Troy Wednesday and, when asked when he was going to leave, said that “I’m moving as fast as I can. When am I going to leave? Well, I was trying to leave now, but you are in my face.”

Said Widgeon: “I think the owner is ready for them to get the vessel moving on its way. the Virginia Marine Police is still assessing the situation.”

Widgeon confirms the Troy’s original owner apparently gave the vessel to Brown.

“I’ve got the title to the boat — she gave it to me,” Brown said. ” She gave it to me because she is a friend of mine, so I have the title, yes.”

Brown has apparently seen the stories of derelict vessels on 10 On Your Side, and our extensive reporting on them — “Of course I’ve seen it,” he said.

“You all give all this money to derelict vessels,” Brown said. “I’m trying to get this one out of here.”

Brown is the one who took the Troy off the shore of Portsmouth City Park, and he told us how it happened.

“The owner got in touch with us, and so we know her,” Brown said. “She’s a friend, and I am going to fix it up.”

10 On Your Side asked Brown whether he would be gone Thursday.

Said Brown: “I will be gone.”

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