Oakland removing 16 sunken boats linked to pollution, crime amid $3M estuary cleanup effort
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Crews are working to remove 16 partially and fully sunken boats from the Oakland Estuary as part of an ongoing effort to address abandoned vessels that officials say threaten public safety, water quality and marine life.
The latest cleanup operation near Jack London Square involves multiple agencies, including the Oakland Police Department, San Francisco Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities have already removed more than 50 illegal boats this year and are continuing efforts to clear additional vessels from the water.
Officials say abandoned and sunken boats can break apart and release pollutants, including oil, while creating hazards both on and below the water's surface.
"Having a bunch of sunken boats on the shoreline, people living on them illegally, creating waste in the water definitely makes it difficult for people to enjoy the Oakland Estuary and the water," Oakland Police Marine Unit Officer Ryan Smith said.
Authorities say the issue extends beyond the Oakland Estuary and affects waterways throughout the Bay Area.
"Last year alone, Coast Guard has responded to 60 pollution cases in the estuary, which is taking resources, from search and rescue missions," U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Carey Lewis said.
MORE: How several nonprofits are working to clean up wrecked, sunken boats in Oakland Estuary
Police officials said the vessel cleanup is also aimed at addressing crime associated with some of the boats.
"They were modern day pirates committing crimes from the boats and onto the shore. That's not going to continue to happen," Oakland Police Chief James Beere said. "These boats that were anchored out, some of them were mobile meth labs, some had weapons on them. It wasn't uncommon for officers to board boats and come into contact with people with assault rifles, pistols."
Residents and community advocates say the cleanup efforts are already making a difference.
"As far as feeling safer, 100% safer, it's actually very it uplifts my heart, because I think if our shores are clean, our community is healthy. If our shores are healthy, our communities healthy, it's a reciprocal relationship," said Mary Spicer of the nonprofit I Heart Oakland-Alameda Estuary.
Officials said the work will continue. Oakland has secured more than $3 million in state and federal grants to support future cleanup efforts, and authorities say additional abandoned vessels may still be in the water.
"The message is Thursday, if you come back down here to dock your boat, you're going to be held accountable to the strictest letter of the law," Beere said.
After they are removed, the boats will be deconstructed and recycled.
