Santa Cruz Harbor Partially Reopens For Business
SANTA CRUZ (KCBS) – It was both good and bad news for the city of Santa Cruz on Sunday, as part of the tsunami-damaged harbor reopened, only to be shut down by driving high surf and rain.
Nine days after tsunami surges sunk 19 boats and damaged hundreds more, the South Harbor was reopened to boat traffic.
Deputy Harbormaster Niki Rothwell was out with her crews on Sunday, checking to make sure boats were secured and there wasn't even more damage.
"I don't think anyone would try and leave in this storm, but it is nice to know that we're open," she said. "So if boats are out and they need safe moorage, they can come in here and seek safe harbor."
KCBS' Betsy Gebhart Reports:
Santa Cruz boat owner Tim Karsten, who normally lives on his 31-foot vessel, said he is still without electricity and drinking water.
While the reopening of the harbor is welcome news, he said it's still no time to celebrate as hundreds still have damaged ships at the closed North Harbor.
Harbor officials said there are still boats and docks that need to be pulled out before that side can reopen, but they remain hopeful of opening the entire harbor later this week.
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