The Brief
- A group of boats that had illegally docked at the Jack London Aquatic Center has cleared the dock but is now sinking into the estuary.
- The illegal docking prompted a meeting with Oakland City Council Member Charlene Wang, the Oakland Police Department, and Parks and Recreation officials to discuss solutions.
- Due to safety concerns, a “Learn to Row” kids camp has been relocated to Lake Merritt while the East Bay Rowing Club continues morning practices.
OAKLAND, Calif. – An ongoing issue with boats illegally docked at the Jack London Aquatic Center has taken a new turn as the vessels are now sinking into the estuary, impacting local boating programs and a youth camp.
Boats taking on water
Dig deeper:
While the dock itself is currently clear and morning practice for the East Bay Rowing Club is underway, the illegally docked boats are taking on water. One boat’s hull is tipping down into the water, while another has tipped at the boat launch. Officials noted that if the vessel had fallen the other way, it would have broken the dock.
The situation began Friday when three boats tied up illegally at the public dock.
Under local regulations, boats are only permitted to be tied up for four hours and remain in the estuary for 12 hours. …