American Heritage blocked from Pittsburgh berth by two boats
Cruise ship workers moved the vessels as authorities pursued a removal process under Pennsylvania law.
The American Heritage cruise ship was prevented from docking along Pittsburgh’s North Shore because two boats were occupying the berth illegally. Workers from the cruise ship physically moved the boats out of the way after the restrictions governing use of the docking area were not followed.
The Sports & Exhibition Authority, which regulates the area, said it had begun a notification process with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for boats considered at risk, derelict or abandoned and not complying with North Shore Riverfront Park rules. According to the authority, officials received contact information for the owners and issued notices directing them to remove their boats within 14 calendar days of receiving the notice.
Pennsylvania’s Act 28, implemented in January, permits the Sports & Exhibition Authority to remove abandoned vessels without liability. The law provides a mechanism for addressing boats left in the regulated riverfront area.