Shelter Island Launch Ramp

[Latimeria]

The Shelter Island Boat Launch will be closed on Thursday as city crews work to remove a vessel that sank at the end of the ramp. The closure will last from approximately 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. as the Port of San Diego and the Harbor Police Department undertake the removal operation. Boaters already at sea will be able to land, but launching from Shelter Island will not be permitted during this time.

On November 13, a 35-foot boat was abandoned at the end of the ramp for unknown reasons. Harbor police issued a notice of violation and an order for the vessel's removal. When there was no response, a tow service was called. However, on November 15, as the tow service was en route, the boat began taking on water and eventually sank despite efforts to keep it afloat.
Attempts to contact the vessel's owner have been unsuccessful.

Over the weekend, king tides pushed the boat under a section of the docks, complicating its removal. For the safety of workers and the public, the port must close the facility to safely and efficiently remove the vessel and manage any potential fuel leaks during the process, according to a statement from the agency. The port appreciates the boating community's patience as they work to restore use of the boat launch.

The port aims to complete the removal and reopen the launch facility in time for the weekend.