Panama City Fights to Remove Abandoned Cruise Ship

Panama City has spent tens of thousands of dollars removing dozens of derelict boats as it redevelops its waterfront. But one abandoned former luxury cruise liner is proving to be an especially difficult case.

The News Herald of Panama City reports the Florida city is having issues removing a cruise liner known as both as El Dorado and the Sun Dancer.

William Whitson of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency told the paper the problem stems from legal and regulatory issues. He said the boat has created an eyesore as the city tries to promote a new pier.

The boat’s owner has been entangled in a hurricane insurance dispute. An Arkansas bank also has an interest in the vessel.

Whitson says the boat will be removed, the question is when.