BREAKING NEWS: Ship Sideswipes Bay Bridge

As we post today’s articles, the first reports are trickling in regarding a cargo vessel striking the Bay Bridge in foggy conditions sometime during the late morning. According to a CalTrans spokesman, it simply "sideswiped" a bridge tower, or its protective "fender," leaving no significant damage to the structure or the vessel — at least as far as they know thus far. Of course, the last time we recall a commercial vessel striking that essential traffic artery (the Cosco Busan in 2007), damage was initially downplayed, although more than 53,000 gallons of bunker fuel ultimately spilled into the Bay.

The bridge is currently open and investigators have begun a thorough assessment.