Unmanned Ship Hits San Mateo Bridge

SAN MATEO BRIDGE (CBS SF) -  An unmanned sailboat hit the San Mateo Bridge Monday afternoon after strong winds swept it into the Bay, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

No one was aboard the boat when it drifted into the Bay from the Oyster Point area and its mast struck the north side of the San Mateo Bridge shortly after 1:30 p.m., Lt. Erin Gilson said.

There is no damage to the bridge has been reported, and traffic on the bridge was not affected. Chopper 5 captured video of the boat after it took on water and appeared to sink beneath the bridge.

Due to strong winds and the shallow water in the area, the Coast Guard hasn't been able to reach the boat.

However, the Coast Guard was able to get the vessel number off the bow of the boat and contact its owner, Lt. j.g. Laura Williams said.

The owner was informed about the situation and plans to use a smaller vessel to reach the sailboat and bring it back to shore, Williams said.

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