Alcatraz Island closed for weeks as crews repair ferry dock
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Alcatraz Island began a weeks-long closure Monday for repairs to its ferry dock, disrupting travel plans for tourists hoping to visit one of San Francisco's most popular attractions.
The island is expected to reopen Nov. 19, although weather or other unforeseen issues could delay the work. It's the third phase of dock repairs for Alcatraz this year.
Crews are replacing deteriorating pilings that help hold the floating dock in place. Alcatraz City Cruises, which operates the ferry service, is funding the repairs.
"The original failure occurred in January," said Antonette Sespene, the company's general manager. She said earlier phases of work stabilized the dock ahead of the final repairs. "Our vessels need to be able to pull up and dock and ensure that it's secure," Sespene said.
Ian and Leanne Gilbert traveled from England with tickets to visit Alcatraz on Monday. They said they learned about the closure Sunday night from other travelers, despite the closure being publicly announced last month.
"It was another couple that mentioned that their tickets had been canceled," Leanne Gilbert said. "So, that's when we checked."
The pair said they contacted their tour company and were told a refund was on the way.
Sespene said Alcatraz City Cruises notified visitors who had already booked and offered options to reschedule or receive a refund. The company is also offering a 90-minute Bay cruise around Alcatraz this week, though passengers cannot get off on the island.
"It's not ideal," Sespene said. "We certainly would prefer not to have the island shut down for this long. But safety is the greatest concern."
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"We apologize that it's such a long stretch of time that we'll be shut down, and I know it's impacted folks, but we just hope that they are able to come back out and visit when we're we're open again," Sespene said.
For more information about the closure, refunds and other cruise options, visit alcatrazcitycruises.com.
