A massive sandbar blocked an SF harbor for months. Why didn't the city take care of it?

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A large sandbar has blocked the San Francisco Marina's West Harbor for months, restricting access for boaters, businesses, nonprofits and emergency responders.

City officials say the sand accumulated "more quickly than expected," while critics argue the buildup was foreseeable and that the city moved too slowly to begin dredging work.

The obstruction has left boats unable to enter or leave the harbor, echoing concerns about emergency access. During the 1989 earthquake, a fireboat known as "The Phoenix" used West Harbor to pump seawater and supply firefighters after water mains failed. Today, that same type of response would not have been possible.

"Now you can't get into the harbor," sailor Mike Peterson said. "The boats can't leave, the boats can't get in because the harbor entrance has basically completely filled with sand."

Observers say the sandbar - described as the largest in memory - has narrowed and shallowed the harbor entrance, making it impassable for all but the smallest boats. Spectators have watched vessels attempt to cross, only to run aground or strike docks.

MORE: Stranded sailor stuck on Stinson Beach ordered to ship out

A stranded sailboat off the shore of Stinson Beach has been stuck in the sand for more than a month.

The impact extends beyond recreational boating, Peterson said.

"There's maybe ten rich people with a big boat in here and they're beautiful to walk by and look at," he said. "But most people don't realize this is just average people. They like to take their kids out. You know, almost most any of these boats that cost less than a second car, I mean, you know, maybe ten, $20,000, tops. And people share them. We've got 3 or 4 people and then you, you know, you share the boat, you take it out all year long."

Nonprofits have also been affected. The Blue Water Foundation, which offers on-the-water experiences for students, has canceled trips.

"It's really been a drag," said Les Schlesinger of Blue Water Foundation. "It's been disappointing."

"For the last month, we're completely shut down," he said. "I mean, it doesn't matter. High tide. We tried to get out, actually, about a month ago on a, like, a really high tide. Couldn't get out. We got stuck."

Youth sailing programs have been scaled back because the channel is too narrow for normal maneuvering.

The ABC7 I-Team's Dan Noyes wanted to see for himself how shallow the water is at the entrance. He paddled out on a surfboard expecting water to be over his head, but it was about a foot at its most shallow, and "three feet max" at its deepest.

"I guess I don't need the surfboard," he said, stepping up onto the sandbar.

MORE: Motor oil from sunken Alameda ship found in water as divers continue search for fuel tanks

Investigators are trying to figure out why a ship that logged more than 40,000 nautical miles sank as it was docked in the Oakland Estuary.

Boaters are guaranteed 12 feet of clearance at low tide under their agreement with the marina, a standard that was not met.

The sandbar has also hampered emergency operations. Last week, San Francisco police requested assistance from the Fire Department for an incident off Crissy Field, but a rescue jet boat could not leave the harbor because of the blockage. The response was limited to jet skis.

"The message hasn't hit home that, yes, indeed, we do need to dredge this on a regular basis," sailor Mike Ratiani said.

The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department wouldn't let the I-Team interview General Manager Sarah Madland, the Director of Operations Eric Anderson, or Harbor Master Scott Grindy, the person who perhaps knows the most about the issue.

However, emails from Grindy obtained through the California Public Records Act show the Recreation and Parks Department hired a dredging company in January, but work was delayed by equipment failures.

"My understanding is they didn't expect that much sand," Ratiani said. "And they didn't really have the right equipment to get that sand out and then they had a breakdown."

The harbor master warned in an email that "without the dredging moving forward I anticipate many calls, complaints and vessel damage issues to occur."

City officials have since contracted a larger company, Dutra, for $1.16 million to address the buildup. Crews were working Thursday, and a spokesperson said most boats should be able to pass by the end of the week. Under the contract, dredging must be completed by May 28.

Officials are also planning to install a breakwater at the end of the jetty next year in an effort to reduce future sand accumulation.

Until then, harbor users say the months-long closure highlights the need for more consistent maintenance to keep the channel open.