A 55-foot boat lost power and drifted through dense fog into the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach near 20th Street on Sunday night, breaking pilings on the popular pier and causing it to be evacuated, authorities said.
The crash occurred about 8:15 p.m. near 20th Street. No significant injuries were reported, according to Gloria Re of the Newport Beach Fire Department. The pier remained closed early Monday, but reopened at about 10 a.m. after investigators determined the pier was safe for Labor Day visitor.
The 13 passengers on the boat wore life jackets and jumped into the water because the boat was repeatedly slamming into the pier. The captain remained on the boat, according to Newport Beach Fire Capt. Brett Sutherland.
"There were a lot of people on the water who went to help," said witness Cypress Rios.
No serious injuries were reported, according to authorities.
The boat was estimated to be worth about $750,000 and it was on the way to the Huntington Harbor when the crash occurred.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation.
Balboa Pier is one of two piers in Newport Beach. Built in 1906, it is a popular fishing spot and home to Ruby's Diner. The pier was damaged during El Nino storms of 1998.
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