Crime & Safety
16 Sunken Vessels To Be Removed From Oakland Estuary
The operation follows the removal of more than 50 abandoned, derelict or surrendered vessels in recent months, police said.
OAKLAND, CA — The Oakland Police Department's Marine Unit will remove 16 sunken vessels from the Oakland Estuary over the next two weeks as part of an ongoing effort to clear abandoned and derelict boats from the city's waterways.
The operation follows the removal of more than 50 abandoned, derelict or surrendered vessels in recent months, according to the police.
Police said dozens of vessels had been illegally anchored in the Jack London Aquatic Center basin, creating environmental hazards and limiting access to the water.
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The Marine Unit worked with the City and City Attorney's Office to identify vessels, notify owners, and arrange voluntary surrenders, police said.
OPD officers also traveled to Sacramento and San Jose to locate owners and secure vessels for removal.
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More than 100 volunteers with the nonprofit "I Heart Oakland-Alameda Estuary" also participated in a shoreline cleanup last weekend, OPD said.
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