Anonymous
Source: City of Santa Barbara
Boats that have run aground are a familiar sight on Santa Barbara beaches, especially during the winter storm season. While this storm season has just begun, three boats have already run aground on our shores.
The first question many people ask is, “How did the vessel end up on the beach in the first place?” The answer can vary but the most common reason involves a failure in the anchoring system. From the anchor to the chain and line to the connection to the boat, the anchoring system is only as strong as its weakest link. Rough weather can also cause boats to drag their anchor. In fact, Stearns Wharf has been hit more than once by boats that have broken or dragged anchor.
So this begs the next question, “Why does Santa Barbara seem to have more boats come ashore than other coastal communities?” The answer is simple, Santa Barbara has one of the only unprotected free anchorages in Southern California. The more boats at unsheltered anchor means more boats exposed to rough conditions which, in turn, increases the potential for more boats on the beach.
To minimize groundings and accidents, the Waterfront Department instituted the East Beach Mooring Program in 2006. This program created a designated mooring area off East Beach that requires a permit to use. Permits require mooring equipment that is much more robust than a simple anchor. This equipment is also inspected annually.
But, while the East Beach Mooring Program has greatly reduced the number of boats breaking free from their moorings, it is still legal for boats to anchor east of the permitted area without a permit. The boats in this unpermitted area, referred to as “Fools Anchorage” because of the exposure to rough conditions, are more often than not, the ones that end up on the beach.
What happens to boats that run aground? If the vessel cannot be pulled back to sea, the registered owner is notified by Harbor Patrol that they have 72 hours to remove the boat from the beach. Abandoning a vessel on any beach, waterway, or harbor is a violation of California Harbors and Navigation Code. Salvaging parts or taking anything off a grounded vessel, by anyone not authorized by the owner, is also a crime. There is no such thing as “salvage rights” or “finders keepers” when it comes to beached vessels on public property.
If a vessel runs aground on a City beach and the owner is unable or unwilling to remove it, the City will remove it and pursue the owner legally for the cost of vessel removal and beach cleanup. Removal in these cases is typically done by a large excavator that crushes the boat up so it can be hauled off.
While a grounded boat can be a novelty or an eyesore, the public, no matter how well intentioned, is discouraged from removing debris from the area. The debris often includes broken glass, wood with nails, and other hazardous materials. City staff is assigned to clean up beached vessel debris and should be given ample clearance to do their work.
If you see a boat that is in danger of running aground or has recently run aground, please call the Harbor Patrol at (805) 564-5531.
