Boat washes ashore in Newport, temporarily shutting part of beach

A 24-foot sailboat washed ashore in Newport Beach on Saturday night, shutting down a small portion of beach until authorities could clear away the boat, according to lifeguards.

It’s not clear why the boat beached near Eighth Street at about 9 p.m., but Newport Beach lifeguard Battalion Chief Mike Halphide said the vessel had a large crack in it, so it couldn’t be towed back out to sea.

The one person aboard the boat managed to get out of the wreck unharmed, according to lifeguards.

The vessel, however, wasn’t so fortunate, Halphide said. Waves continually pounded the hull until it eventually broke apart, he said.

“The surf line is really unforgiving,” Halphide said.

Lifeguards kept beachgoers away from the wreckage until crews could cart off the debris.

Officials reopened the area around noon Sunday, Halphide said.