Sinking of 16 vessels in the Port of Crescent City
The tsunami from the earthquake in Japan resulted in the sinking of 16 vessels in the Port of Crescent City, California. In addition, 47 vessels remain afloat but incurred some damage. There has been significant damage to moorings and docks in the port.
Location: Crescent City Inner Basin Harbor, Crescent City, CA
Cause: Tsunami following 8.9 earthquake in Japan
Damage:
- 47 vessels afloat but with some level of damage
- 16 sunken vessels
- 1 vessel grounded at mouth of Elk River
- Large debris including rocks, logs, and vessel debris scattered
about inner harbor and shore
- Navigable waters status unknown; boaters should use extreme
caution transiting the area
- Significant damage to moorings and docks
Closures or restrictions:
- Harbor access restricted for public safety
- Harbor closed to all personnel at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
until further notice.
- To prevent crabs and other seafoods from being contaminated and
unmarketable, commercial fisherman are advised of the following
protocol:
o Commercial vessels are advised to not run circulation pumps as
they approach Crescent City Boat Harbor or within Crescent City Boat
Harbor
o Do not pull crab pots or other traps up through water if a
visible sheen is present
- Safety zone in place for Crescent Harbor; no movement without
consent of USCG
- Dock access limited due to safety concerns; personnel floatation
device strongly advised
- No access to boom area without authorization by USCG
Harbor operations: Crescent City Harbor asks affected boat owners to
contact the harbor at 707-464-6174 ext. 22 to provide the following
information:
- Boat name
- Official number/vin
- Fuel capacity
- Actual fuel onboard
- All contact information
Wildlife: No observed wildlife impacts at this time. Assessment will
continue
Crews deployed: US Coast Guard, California Fish and Game, Harbor
District Personnel, Army Corps of Engineers, oil spill response
organizations.
Source: USCG