News Summary
A crane collapsed at Shelter Island, injuring two men who were on a fishing boat. The incident occurred after a massive blue marlin became entangled, causing the crane to fall. Firefighters confirmed the men sustained minor to moderate injuries and were rescued promptly by fellow boaters and Good Samaritans. The blue marlin, weighing over 500 pounds, is exceptionally rare for the area, marking a significant event for the local fishing community amidst the crane accident.
San Diego, CA – A crane collapsed at Shelter Island on Thursday afternoon, leaving two individuals with injuries. The incident occurred when a massive blue marlin, which is estimated to weigh over 500 pounds, became involved, resulting in the crane tumbling onto a fishing boat occupied by two men.
Firefighters confirmed that both men sustained minor to moderate injuries and were rescued from the vessel. Emergency responders reported that by the time they arrived, fellow boaters and Good Samaritans had already intervened to assist the men. Officials from San Diego Fire-Rescue expect the injured men to recover from their injuries.
Witness accounts shed light on the dramatic scene. Local resident Elizabeth LaCosta, who has lived in Point Loma for 38 years, described the loud crash as the crane fell, followed by the sight of emergency vehicles rushing to the location. Charlie Colson, a boater with 25 years of experience, commented on the extraordinary nature of the blue marlin caught off the Coronado Islands, indicating that it was so rare and powerful that it could have potentially overwhelmed the crane’s equipment.
The incident unfolded as local fishermen shared insights into the rarity of such large marlins in this region. Typically, sport angler catches in these waters range from 150 to 250 pounds. Catching a blue marlin of this size is unusual for the area; locals often have to make a two to three-hour trip south to find them. Some residents cannot recall ever seeing a marlin of that size caught in San Diego waters, further emphasizing the significance of this occurrence.
Reports suggest that this blue marlin is the first of its kind seen in the region in about 15 years. Witnesses expressed disbelief at the extraordinary size of the catch and maintained that such incidents are rare in the area. The crane collapse incident, coupled with the unusual presence of this large marlin, underscores the intersection of maritime activities and fishing culture on Shelter Island.
As local boating and fishing communities navigate the aftermath of the crane collapse, the sense of camaraderie during emergencies has been praised. Fellow boaters and good Samaritans quickly responded to the situation, highlighting the importance of teamwork and community support in the face of unexpected challenges.
As investigations into the crane accident proceed, the local fishing community remains hopeful that such incidents will lead to greater awareness and safety measures. The unexpected catch of such a large marlin, along with the crane collapse, has created a significant buzz among both locals and fishermen, reminding them of the unpredictable nature of life at sea.
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Additional Resources
- 10 News: Crane Falls on Fishing Boat
- Wikipedia: Crane (machine)
- San Diego Union Tribune: Sempra Sued After Accident
- Google Search: Construction Safety Measures
- ENR: Bechtel Texas Triple Fatality
- Google Scholar: Crane Accidents
- Fox 5 San Diego: Construction Worker Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marlin
- Times of San Diego: Construction Firm Fined
- Google News: Fishing Community Scripps Ranch

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.


