LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — It disappeared about six months ago as Lake Mead underwent a year-long recovery, but the nose of a speedboat that has become a symbol of water scarcity has reappeared as the summer heat sets in.
The “Vertical Speedboat” or “Lake Mead Monolith,” which protruded from the lakebed of Government Wash, emerged above the water about 10 days ago.
A buoy marks the location of the wreck in Government Wash on Lake Mead on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The bow of the boat has reappeared over the past two weeks as water levels have receded. (Photo by Brittney Beale)
If we believe the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s “most likely” forecast, the water should be visible for the next two years. The water level will drop during the summer and then bounce back at the end of the year. By January and February of 2025, the nose of the ship will just barely be sticking out of the water.
But we won’t be able to see the boat in its entirety like we can in 2022 (video at the beginning of this article). At that time, the lake shore would have receded, allowing us to walk right up to the base of the boat. That’s another 19 feet below current water level. Lake Mead is projected to be just below 1,053 feet in July 2025, leaving 12 to 13 feet of the towering wreckage above water level. (See below for Lake Mead water levels.)
A speedboat sits vertically on Lake Mead, running nearly on land, June 12, 2022. (Photo by Duncan Phoenix, KLAS)
Make no mistake: in the eyes of the National Park Service, it is a shipwreck.
It’s not a monolith. It’s not a symbol. It’s not history. It’s not something that should be preserved. Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials made that point clear when they discussed the issue at a community meeting last year.
“In essence, abandoned and wrecked vessels are much like abandoned and wrecked vehicles: they are eyesores and detract from the natural beauty of the site,” spokesman John Haines said.
He told 8 News Now in April that there are no specific plans at this time regarding boats in Government Wash. Lake Mead Supervisor Mike Gautier had included the issue of abandoned boats on the agenda for an April 25 community meeting, but it was removed.
“They also represent abandoned personal property, which is always discouraged. The business community has expressed their support for the removal of abandoned boats because it misrepresents the beauty and abundance of Lake Mead’s water resources,” Haynes said.
The boat wasn’t just an Instagram occurrence: It became a political platform after someone spray-painted a message urging Gov. Joe Lombard to support rent control. Then someone covered the message with white paint.
“People come to national parks and recreation areas to enjoy the pristine outdoors,” Haynes says.
The Monoliths of Lake Mead: Famous Vertical Speedboat Photo Tour
“We do our best to provide the best experience for our visitors at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Piles of trash, abandoned buildings, debris on the beach and even a wrecked ship ruin this experience. Our goal going forward is to continue cleaning up the park and provide a quality outdoor experience for our visitors,” he said.
To do this, the park is recruiting volunteers and getting support from the business community.
Pulling what’s left of the iconic “Monolith” from the lakebed will require a dry workspace — a day that anyone with an interest in Las Vegas’ water supply hopes never comes.
The water level of Lake Mead was 1,065.71 feet as of noon today, about 11 feet below this year’s high of 1,076.66 feet. Lake level is measured as the elevation of the lake surface relative to sea level.
According to the Bureau of Reclamation’s current 24-month survey projections, officials expect the lake level to drop to 1,060.19 in November.
Once the 16.5 foot drop is complete, will we find anything new on the shore?
Boats reappear on Lake Mead as the lake level continues to drop. (Photo by Travis Purdy)
With other ships, it’s the shipowner’s responsibility to salvage the vessel after an accident, Haines said.
“Legally, the ultimate responsibility for salvaging a vessel after an accident lies with the vessel’s owner. However, there are cases where it is not possible to safely salvage a vessel, such as the depth of the water or the vessel’s condition after a fire. In such circumstances, park management may allow the vessel not to be salvaged at the vessel’s owner’s request,” he said.
“But typically the Rangers work with the shipowner’s insurer to ensure salvage operations are carried out and the vessel is not stranded, which is one of the reasons why it’s important for shipowners to have marine insurance,” Mr Haynes said.
He acknowledged that there are some exceptions.
“Some of the shipwrecks and other underwater objects may be of historical interest. Those items will be evaluated in terms of their historical significance in the context of the park and its history,” Haynes said.
“Wrecks of no historical significance may be attractive attractions for some visitors but may be less appealing nuisances for others and may even pose a safety hazard for park visitors and wildlife,” he said.
