A 60-foot private boat crashed into the USS Midway in San Diego Bay on Friday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of its captain for allegedly operating under the influence and fleeing the scene, according to San Diego Harbor Police.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on July 18, when the vessel collided with the hull of the Midway, a historic decommissioned aircraft carrier now serving as a naval museum. The impact left a noticeable dent on the side of the ship.
Witnesses near the popular “Unconditional Surrender” statue — a towering sculpture modeled after the iconic World War II photo of a sailor kissing a nurse — reported hearing a loud crash.
“We received calls from several bystanders,” a Harbor Police spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “They said the impact was extremely loud.”
Though the boat initially fled the scene, Harbor Police intercepted it near the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. No injuries were reported. The private vessel sustained only minor damage and was not in danger of sinking.
Video of the collision, captured by WarshipCam and widely circulated online, shows the vessel striking the museum ship. Social media users quickly chimed in with jokes: “You can’t park here sir,” one person quipped. Another added, “Your Honor, the Midway pulled right out in front of me.”
Authorities estimate the damage to the USS Midway exceeds $100,000.
The captain of the private boat was taken into custody on suspicion of boating under the influence and hit-and-run. His identity has not yet been released. The incident remains under investigation.
