LONG BEACH (CBSA) – The passing winter storm sank a riverboat off Long Beach as passers-by noticed debris washing up on the shore.
“It was sinking slowly, rocking back and forth,” said onlooker Hank.
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The Coast Guard was first notified of the sinking of the ship, named Newport Princess, around 9 a.m. The ship was usually used for parties and other events. Officials suspect choppy waters from the storm sank the 61-foot, three-story riverboat near White Island.
Photos taken by Long Beach Post photographer Brandon Richardson showed most of the ship was submerged before dark.
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Many items from the Newport Princess, such as life jackets, chairs washed up on shore.
“There’s a whole banquet going on there,” said Johnny, another onlooker. “Believe me, there is a lot of debris there… They have come here before with a tractor to pick up a whole load once and now it is full of more stuff again.
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According to the Coast Guard, there were no injuries and the owner of the Newport Princess was able to get off safely.
