The Shelter Island Boat Launch will be closed to the public from approximately 6 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21. This emergency closure is to accommodate removal of a vessel that was abandoned at the launch and subsequently sank. The Port of San Diego and the Harbor Police Department will work to make accommodations for vessels that are already out to sea and want to land during the closure, but no launches will be allowed during the closure. Portions of the launch are being closed today to prepare for vessel removal tomorrow. The Port’s goal is to complete the removal and reopen the launch facility in time for the weekend.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, an approximately 35-foot vessel was abandoned for unknown reasons at the launch ramp. Harbor Police posted a notice of violation and order to remove the vessel. On Friday, the vessel remained at the launch ramp, so Harbor Police called a tow service. While waiting for the tow service, the vessel started taking on water. Harbor Police officers began dewatering the vessel but were unable to prevent it from sinking. The Port then began immediate environmental containment measures and arranging plans for vessel removal. Attempts to contact or locate the vessel’s registered owner and/or last known operator have been unsuccessful.
Port crews and contractors have been at the launch ramp since Friday for containment and cleanup of any fuel that may have leaked and to monitor the vessel. Over the weekend, the seasonal King Tides pushed the vessel under a section of the east side docks of the facility, further complicating removal of the vessel. 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.
The Port provides and maintains four boat launching ramps on San Diego Bay at no cost to boaters. In addition to Shelter Island, they are located at Pepper Park in National City, at Bayfront Park/J Street Marina Park in Chula Vista, and at Glorietta Bay in Coronado. For more information, go to portofsandiego.org/boat-launching-ramps.