GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – City of Green Bay officials are looking into the extent of the damage caused Sunday when a Great Lakes cargo ship crashed into multiple downtown locations.
Public Works Director Steve Grenier says the full extent of damage is not yet known.
When it comes to the City Deck docks, Grenier says “from the river side, there appears to be damage to the floats underneath. I want to get those things out and we’ll get them up on land where we can turn them around and take a look at them.”
Grenier notes the Nitschke Bridge may have been spared from any direct damage.
“Outboard of the bridge itself, there is some large circular structures out there that are called dolphins. There is a catwalk and a handrail that connect those dolphins to each other. It appears that one of those catwalks, with the associated handrail, is what was struck, not the bridge itself.”
Grenier hopes to complete the damage assessments this week, noting the city wants to take care of repairs and any possible legal matters as soon as possible.
He says Interstate Steamship Company could end up hearing from the city’s attorney.
“If we’ve got damage to our facilities, we’re going to be in contact with the parent company that owns the ship that made impact, and we’re going to be seeking restitution.”
Greiner notes the crash has caused multiple inconveniences for those who frequent the waters.
“There is a section of the floating docks that nobody can use. For some of the smaller crafts, the kayak launch is also out of service at this point in time.”
Greiner says this is the first time he can recall an incident like this in Green Bay during his 26 years in the city.
