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Battle over dead man’s boat continues

Posted at 12:09 PM, May 29, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-29 15:52:27-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WTKR) - We all knew Michael Calabrese as a bit of a character. His stormy story line of a life made headlines when he tried to set sail during Hurricane Irene.

After the boat got stuck on the beach in Ocean View, he landed in jail for trespassing.

When he got out, someone set his home on fire.

Now after his suspicious death near his boat in North Carolina last week, the saga continues

A source close to the marina where his body was found floating in the water says no one can prove who owns the boat.

Does it go to the girlfriend who set sail with him during the hurricane or one of his children?

Either way, if a clear owner isn’t named by Friday, Calabrese’s home will be placed in a graveyard for boats.

NewsChannel 3 last talked to Calabrese in December.

He said a man bought the boat for him out of the kindness of his heart.

About a month ago, Calabrese docked the boat at Lamb’s Marina in Camden, North Carolina.

It was to be the start of a calm future for Calabrese.

But his life ended under suspicious circumstances.

As authorities try to figure out how Calabrese died, it seems the saga surrounding his sail boats won’t rest in peace.