Mystery damage closes Jack Block Park’s walking pier

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The photos are from David Hutchinson, one of several people we heard from who wondered about the signage at Jack Block Park. Since the park is owned by the Port of Seattle, we asked port spokesperson Peter McGraw about the situation. He replied: “We believe a vessel hit and damaged the pier recently. We’re hoping to have the required permitting in the next few weeks, then begin repairs and have it back open as soon as possible after that.”

We asked if they’re trying to figure out which vessel did it. McGraw says, “It will be very difficult to ascertain who exactly was responsible, unless someone witnessed it, unfortunately.”

just wondering May 29, 2019 (11:27 am)

I’m thinking you can rule out a small boat?

Hannah G. May 29, 2019 (11:48 am)

Great. Another hit and run in West Seattle. What else is new?

KD May 29, 2019 (12:10 pm)

At least it wasn’t one of West Seattle’s famous and prolific Rollovers!!! 😆

LyndaB May 29, 2019 (1:41 pm)

Man, I was there on the Sunday 19th on a bike ride and it was still open. I forgot to say something when I saw the damage. Sorry. :(

KBear May 29, 2019 (6:50 pm)

The ghost of Rolf Neslund, perhaps?

Justin Blair May 30, 2019 (7:46 pm)

For a vessel to cause that sort of damage it was probably pretty big. A big vessel like a tug boat as in one of the ones handling the barges just off that pier. If it was a big vessel it would have AIS (Automatic Identification System) which sends out a signal with location, vessel name, speed, direction, etc. There are logs of that data though I would have to pay for that data maybe the city can get some cooperation from a provider like Marine traffic. I understand without a witness it’s unlikely to have enough evidence to charge someone it would still be worth pursuing. It’s possible whoever is responsible didn’t realize the damage they did.

WSB May 30, 2019 (8:36 pm)

That’s why I asked the port if they were pursuing it – I spend enough time looking at even the basic public trackers that I figured they’d potentially have access to something like that.

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