Duke wants Lake Keowee “derelict” sailboat removed

Duke Energy has filed an Oconee County legal action against three out-of-county residents to remove what its lawyers say is a partially dismantled and derelict sailboat left in Lake Keowee.  Subject of the civil court filing is a 1978 Buccaneer sailboat called “The Jada Emma Ray”.  Named defendants:  one resident of Fairfield County and two residents of York County.  Cited in the pleadings is a provision of Duke’s shoreline management plan covering the Keowee-Toxaway project is a section that reads:  “some lake uses will not be authorized, such as the abandonment of personal property including, but not limited to, vehicles, watercraft, boat trailers, lake use facilities, and building materials.”  Duke claims it has not restricted the defendants’ access to the boat, nor has it prevented them from removing it.  It seeks a court order requiring the defendants to remove “The Jada Emma Ray” and, if not done, the sailboat should transfer to Duke.