REEDVILLE—In 2023, Richard and Stacy Lensis were building their dream retirement home in Reedville. The property on the Little Wicomico River at the entrance of Bridge Creek had everything the soon-to-be-retirees were looking for when they moved to the Northern Neck full time—nature at their doorstep, stunning water views and a pier for their boat.
That all changed on November 16, when YP 654, all 66 tons and 81 feet of her, ran aground during owner Alexander Cooney’s failed attempt to tow the deteriorating boat to another location. It settled at the end of the Lensises’ pier and in the ensuing months they have dealt with a labyrinth of governmental agencies to get the vessel removed.
“I’ve been in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the Army Corp of Engineers, the EPA and VMRC. Every organization thinks the other one should take care of it,” R. Lensis said. “The EPA said it wasn’t enough oil to….
