Witte Marine Scrap Yard

This place is on private property. Listing for informational purposes only. Please do not visit without express permission from the land owner. *** Private (but awesome) property - we do not recommend entering this area *** The witte marine scrap yard is one of the largest marine scrapyards on the east coast, the witte marine scrapyard is located at 2453 arthur kill road in rossville. Now officially known as the donjon iron and metal scrap processing facility, the scrapyard was opened in 1964 by j. Arnold witte, sr.  The scrapyard is known for its large assortment of obsolete steam tugs, ferries, carfloats, and other craft. Witte acquired them faster than he could break them up; the end result is dozens of vessels slowly rotting in the muck of the arthur kill. A number of noteworthy vessels, including the new york city fire department's fireboat, the abram s. Hewitt which was involved in the rescue of survivors of the 1904 general slocum tragedy and was the last coal-burning fireboat in operation in the fdny's fleet, can be found here. If you did want to get onto the boats (which we do not advise!) you have to go through the yard of the closest house to the graveyard. It leads all the way back around to the boats. But, be careful, the house has a 'no trespassing' sign, and it is very dangerous to climb around these old rotting structures in the water!  You can also kayak into the area, which may be an easier, and safer choice.