Sugar Dock Closed due to Collapse

(Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)- The CNMI Emergency Management Office (EMO) has ordered Sugar Dock closed to the public following today’s collapse of part of the structure.

            Based on preliminary observations, a mid-section of the dock collapsed due to high surf conditions battering the decades-old structure.  No injuries were reported.

            “It is our good fortunate that no one was injured in the incident,” said EMO Acting Director Mark Pangelinan.  “As the structure is very unstable, we are closing it to public access until further notice.”

            Several cars were stranded on the far end of the dock after the collapse.  The response team comprised of EMO, Department of Public Works, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Division of Environmental Quality, and Coastal Resources Management constructed a temporary bridge over the collapsed section so the cars could be driven off.   

            “Swimmers, boaters, and fisherman will not be able to access the dock itself until it can be stabilized,” said Pangelinan.  “This weekend especially, we caution parents to make sure their children do not enter the area.”

            The boat ramp next to the dock will remain open.  The dock falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Lands, which has begun its structural assessment of the damage.  Pangelinan said it is premature to predict how long the dock will be closed.