Loose barges smash into boats, restaurant in Coal Harbour

Two barges broke loose of their moorings early Wednesday, causing damage toboats and a restaurantin a Vancouver harbour.

TheVancouver Fraser Port Authoritywas notified of the barges adrift in Coal Harbour and tugboats were deployed toclear them out of the area, spokeswoman DanielleJangsaid.

"Our role as the port authority is to monitor for safety so we did put our harbour patrol boats on scene to support the first responders and the tugs as well,"Jangtold CBC News.

At least one of the barges collided with the Lift Bar and Grill, a restaurant located adjacent to the harbour, according to restaurant manager Claire Clarke. Two glass panels on the restaurant's patio were smashed as a result of the impact.

"We're pretty lucky.It could have been worse," Clarke said.

Clarke said she received a phone call from Vancouver policearound7 a.m. PT on Wednesday, informing her of the damage to the restaurant.

The barges also damaged a nearbysuperyachtand at least one other boat in the harbour,Clarke said. She saidpolice told her they believed the bargesfloated over from the North Shore.

'Hit and run'

Clarke said the restaurant's engineers willassess the damage and the owners will be looking into making an insurance claim.

"The cops treat it like a hit-and-run so each place that was damaged will be put under the same file claim and the insurance, hopefully, once they figure out who the owner is, we'll go from there," she said.

The restaurant is closed for Boxing Day today but will open as usual on Thursday.

VPD did not respond to a request for comment.