Boat Captain Arrested for Hit-and-Run Collision with USS Midway Museum Ship
A 60-foot private vessel collided with the USS Midway museum ship in San Diego on July 18, leading to the arrest of its captain for boating under the influence and fleeing the scene. The incident, which occurred just before 2 p.m., caused a visible dent on the hull of the historic decommissioned aircraft carrier, which now serves as both a naval museum and a popular tourist attraction.
Authorities confirmed that the collision drew the attention of bystanders near the iconic ‘Unconditional Surrender’ statue, a sculpture inspired by the famous World War II image of a sailor kissing a nurse at the end of the war. Witnesses reported that the impact was very loud, and the vessel initially fled the scene before being intercepted by Harbor Police near the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
While the fishing boat had only minor damage and was not at risk of sinking, no injuries were reported. Preliminary damage estimates indicate that the USS Midway suffered over $100,000 in damage, though the final cost is yet to be determined. The suspect’s identity has not been officially released, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
WarshipCam’s video of the collision, which has gone viral on social media, captures the moment the vessel approached the historic aircraft carrier. The footage includes remarks from viewers commenting on the video, such as one person advising, ‘You can’t park here sir,’ and another joking, ‘Your Honor, the Midway pulled right out in front of me.’ The incident has generated significant public interest and discussion, particularly among history and maritime enthusiasts.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more details regarding the captain’s condition, the extent of the damage, and any potential legal charges that may be filed against the individual. The event has also prompted renewed calls for improved safety measures around historic and tourist attractions to prevent similar incidents in the future.