SAN DIEGO — The Shelter Island Boat Launch was closed on Thursday, November 21, as city crews removed a vessel that had sunk at the end of the launch ramp.
The launch was closed around 6 a.m., allowing crews to remove the boat.
On Nov. 13, the 35-foot boat was abandoned at the end of the ramp for unknown reasons. Harbor police posted a notice of violation and an order to remove the vessel. When nobody responded to the notice, they called a tow service.
On Nov. 15, as the tow service was en route, the boat began taking on water. Despite efforts to keep it afloat, it soon sank.
According to the port, attempts to reach the vessel's owner have been unsuccessful. King tides this weekend pushed the boat underneath a section of the docks, making its removal more complicated.
"For worker and public safety, the port needs to close the facility to safely and efficiently remove the vessel while also continuing to contain and clean up any fuel that may have leaked or may leak during removal," according to a statement from the agency. "The port appreciates the boating community's patience as we restore use of the boat launch."
The port aims to complete the removal and reopen the launch facility by Friday.
The port maintains four boat launching ramps on San Diego Bay: Shelter Island, Pepper Park in National City, Bayfront Park/J Street Marina Park in Chula Vista, and Glorietta Bay in Coronado.