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Boats blown ashore at Gulfport; Pier might be damaged
The scene at the Gulfport waterfront was almost apocalyptic Monday morning, as more than a dozen private vessels – from sailboats to cabin cruisers to one-person outboards – were strewn about the beach from Hurricane Debby’s sustained winds and storm surge. At least one sailboat was wedged between the Municipal Pier and the Gulfport Casino.
A sailboat is wedged underneath the Municipal Pier, behind the Gulfport Casino.
The pier was immediately closed, out of an abundance of caution, said Gulfport’s Director of Public Works Tom Nicholls. “They’re still assessing the damage out there,” he said. “We’ve had our risk manager out there this morning. She’s taking a look at everything as well.”
Debby’s wind and rain continued intermittently Monday, making a thorough damage assessment difficult. Several of the boats might have been originally moored across Boca Ciega Bay and blown to Gulfport overnight.
Sections of Shore Boulevard, which runs past the beach, pier and casino, were severely flooded Monday morning.
Hugh Hazeltine
August 8, 2024at7:47 am
Many of the boats/owners anchored near Gulfport lack the means to secure a slip in a safe harbor. The time address this problem is not when a storm is approaching. FFWC is charged with tracking vessels in a distressed condition. Enforcement of well established rules/ laws could advance a solution. All vessels at anchor must display a light during nighttime. Any vessel in Florida waters more than 90 days must be registered. No waste can be discharge within 3 miles of a shoreline.
Rbruce
August 6, 2024at1:52 pm
Why didn’t Gulfport or the county order all anchored boats to seek safe harbor? If unmanned, then tow them to the marina. Instead, it will cost a lot of money to fix the inaction.