Ten abandoned boats were removed from the waters of Ely's Harbour as part of an operation to clean up Bermuda's waters.

Nine neglected motor boats plus a jet ski were hauled out of the Sandys waters and transported to the airport dump.

In addition the marine clean-up found 90 punts, or row boats, flouting Government regulations to display their registration. Owners of vessels were given a 30-day notice to comply or face removal.

Up to 20 people took part in Government's latest clean-up on Tuesday. Staff from the Departments of Marine and Ports, Parks, and Environmental Protection were joined by Ministry of Works and Engineering employees and Marine Police.

Private companies Atlantic Mooring Maintenance and DeShield Marine Services also took part.

The marine taskforce was formed in the summer to clean up the Island's waters by removing abandoned and sunken boats.

It targeted Mill Creek, Pembroke, in July and has since cleared vessels from Mullet Bay, St. George's, and Jew's Bay, Southampton.

The taskforce aims to complete one clean-up per month until December. Salvageable boats are towed to Morgan's Point, and the rest are taken to the airport dump where they are stripped of environmental hazards by Department of Waste Management staff.

A Government spokesperson said Tuesday's clean-up in Ely's Harbour, Scaur Bay and Pilchard Bay "went well".

"The boats removed were between 15ft and 25ft motor boats, all abandoned, some fully sunk, others half-sunk. They are being taken to the dump. None were salvageable."

This summer Government estimated there were in excess of 150 abandoned boats Island-wide. Anyone wanting to dispose of a boat should telephone 294-4450.