Snag Hit in Boat Removal from San Mateo Bridge

A contractor hired to remove a 70-foot fishing boat that crashed into the San Mateo-Hayward bridge during a windstorm Tuesday is bringing in larger equipment to remove the boat's hull and engine, California  Department of Transportation spokeswoman Lauren Wonder said.

A crew from Vortex Marine Construction, the outfit contracted to salvage the fishing vessel "Big Timber," has removed the top of the boat, including the mast and rigging, but the hull and engine are wedged into the  mud and were too heavy for the barge and crane that crews initially brought  in, Wonder said.

Environmental agencies led by the Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Coast Guard reported that no fuel has leaked from the vessel, and have installed booms around the wreck to prevent a spill from spreading  should one occur.

The right shoulder of westbound state Highway 92 will be closed Monday, but all lanes will remain open and traffic does not appear to be affected by the work, Wonder said