Draw bridge crashes onto megayacht, no injuries reported

Dec 2, 2014 by Dorie Cox

A section of a draw bridge crashed on M/Y Rockstar as it was being towed north on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Miami this afternoon.

The yacht was being towed by two towboats when the east side of the Broad Causeway bridge dropped down hitting the upper deck of the yacht, according to the Miami Herald. The bascule bridge, built in 1951, was scheduled for repairs and upgrades.

There were about 15 people onboard at the time and no injuries were reported.

To read more visit The Miami Herald and CBS Miami.

 

Update from U.S. Coast Guard:

Dec. 3

Coast Guard reports restricted vessel traffic on ICW following bridge incident
Vessel traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway near Bal Harbour, Florida is restricted following an incident involving a yacht and the Broad Causeway bridge.
Due to the incident, only the bridge’s west leaf is able to open. Restrictions on vessel traffic limit movement of large vessels with a width of 40 feet or less as only one half of the bridge is operational.
Vessels with a height of less than 16 feet in height can transit as normal. Vessels with a height greater than 16 feet must have a width less than 40 feet to navigate through the waterway.
The bridge connects North Miami to Bay Harbor Islands and Bal Harbor.
The 161-foot yacht, Rockstar, was being towed by two tug boats Tuesday when the incident occurred. After the vessel was cleared from the involved portion of the bridge, the Rockstar was towed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
All mariners are urged to exercise caution while transiting through the area, and to check weather before transiting offshore if necessary to detour the area.
The Coast Guard will broadcast updates regarding the bridge via Safety Marine Information Broadcasts via VHF Marine Radio Channel 16.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident.

 Update Dec. 4:

Click to see new video and updates from WSVN.

 

 

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About Dorie Cox

Dorie Cox is a writer with Triton News.

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