Storm grounds barge named Seaport in Berkeley waters
"It looks pretty rusty," one reader said. "I’d love to know the story."
A massive barge appeared in the San Francisco Bay in Berkeley on Saturday, prompting multiple questions from community members.
The barge got knocked loose from its moorings due to heavy winds from recent storms and ended up lodged next to the riprap south of the Berkeley Marina and readily visible from the freeway and West Frontage Road, one reader said.
The barge, which prominently bore the name Seaport, appeared to have been stranded at high tide.
Another reader said the shipwreck was "right at Frontage Road between University and Ashby avenues. It looks pretty rusty," she said. "Probably abandoned and pushed to shore with the storm. I’d love to know the story."
On Saturday evening, The Scanner asked the fire department for information.
Berkeley Fire Battalion Chief Christopher Van Luen confirmed that the barge had busted loose during the recent storm.
Van Luen said the U.S. Coast Guard was aware of the vessel and that the owner was planning to salvage it Sunday.
Send tips and photos to The Scanner.
He said the barge, which was part of a project underway in the bay, was stable and had "nothing in it to be wary about."
"It's not a hazard at this time," Van Luen said.
Rain pounded the Bay Area late Friday and overnight Saturday, resulting in a tornado in Scotts Valley north of Santa Cruz.
A coastal flood advisory remains in effect in Berkeley until 1 p.m. Monday, with rain expected in the city before 4 p.m., according to the latest forecast.
Update, Sunday, Dec. 15: The barge was towed away Sunday morning. Reader Steve Kromer shared a video.
Kelly O’Mara
If you know of significant weather impacts in Berkeley, or would like to share weather photos and videos, we always want to hear from you.
