The F/V Westward, the old fishing boat that has been moored in Boothbay Harbor for the past two years, will be sold at public auction in Portland on Oct. 26.

On Sept. 24, U.S. District Court Justice Nancy Torreson ordered the Westward’s sale and awarded a salvage lien to Fuller Marine, who rescued the vessel when it went adrift in January 2015. The U.S. Marshal Service seized the Westward in June and Fuller Marine has been its custodian since that time.

According to the public notice, the U.S. Marshal will sell the Westward by public auction to the highest and best bidder on Oct. 26. at 2 p.m. at the office of Nicholas H. Walsh, Esq., 120 Exchange Street, Portland. The sale will include the vessel’s fishing permits, fishing history, engines, machinery, yawl boat, equipment, gear and appurtenances, free and clear of all liens. 

To participate, the bidder must submit a $10,000 deposit by certified check or cashier's check payable to the bidder or United States Marshal Service, which will be held by the U.S. Marshal during the auction. Within five business days of the auction, the successful bidder will be required to provide 10 percent of the successful bid amount, with balance due at closing.

Interested parties and potential bidders may contact the U. S. Marshal Service at 207-780-3355 to confirm the scheduling of the sale. Persons who desire to inspect the vessel should contact Fuller Marine Services at 207-380-5732.