Unbelievable moment boozy boat captain slams into US warship
Share and Follow

A San Diego man was arrested after crashing his 65-foot vessel into the USS Midway and allegedly fleeing while under the influence. 

Frank D’Anna, 40, was operating his private boat, named the Offshore Lifestyle, when it collided head-on with the port side of the decommissioned aircraft carrier just before 2 pm on Friday.

A viral video of the crash – captured by WarshipCam – shows the unbelievable moment the vessel collided with the historic warship in broad daylight.

D’Anna’s significantly smaller motor vessel can be seen approaching the monstrous aircraft carrier head-on before the destructive crash. 

The private vessel, reportedly operated by an intoxicated captain, left a noticeable dent in the hull of the USS Midway, which now functions as a floating naval museum and one of San Diego’s primary tourist attractions.

The collision resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damage, including repainting and repairs to the ship’s corrosion prevention system, a spokesperson for the USS Midway told Fox News.

A 65-foot private vessel slammed into the USS Midway Museum ship prompting the arrest of a San Diego man for allegedly boating under the influence and fleeing the scene

A 65-foot private vessel slammed into the USS Midway Museum ship prompting the arrest of a San Diego man for allegedly boating under the influence and fleeing the scene

A video of the crash - captured by WarshipCam and widely circulated on social media - shows the moment the vessel collided with the historic warship in broad daylight

A video of the crash – captured by WarshipCam and widely circulated on social media – shows the moment the vessel collided with the historic warship in broad daylight

Witnesses reported hearing a loud impact as they watched in horror near the popular ‘Unconditional Surrender’ statue – a landmark sculpture based on the famous World War II kissing photo – located just feet from the iconic aircraft carrier. 

‘We received calls from several witnesses,’ officials said, adding that bystanders reported that the ‘impact was very loud.’

Despite the damage, no injuries were reported and the suspect’s vessel sustained only minor damage and was not at risk of sinking.

Authorities said the boat fled the scene following the collision but was intercepted in the San Diego Bay near the Coronado Ferry Landing.

The boat’s operator was later arrested after all seven individuals aboard the vessel were questioned by the police and identified D’Anna as the boat’s driver at the time of the crash.

He has since been charged with Boating Under the Influence, hit and run, and operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content over .08, according to authorities.

If convicted, D’Anna could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

D'Anna's significantly smaller motor vessel can be seen approaching the monstrous aircraft carrier head-on before the destructive crash

D’Anna’s significantly smaller motor vessel can be seen approaching the monstrous aircraft carrier head-on before the destructive crash 

The private vessel, allegedly manned by a liquored-up captain, left a visible dent in the hull of the USS Midway, which now serves as a floating naval museum and one of San Diego's top tourist attractions

The private vessel, allegedly manned by a liquored-up captain, left a visible dent in the hull of the USS Midway, which now serves as a floating naval museum and one of San Diego’s top tourist attractions

The shocking footage quickly went viral, drawing both concern and mockery online.

‘You can’t park here sir,’ one user quipped. 

Another joked: ‘Your Honor, the Midway pulled right out in front of me.’

The damaging crash has also raised concerns among locals and tourists about maritime safety.

‘I mean it’s sad,’ James Hickson, a downtown resident of the iconic Southern California city, told 10News. 

‘If drunk driving is the case, it’s pretty sad that you would make that decision to put a lot of folks in danger.’

Jagjit Bhambra, a Navy veteran visiting the Midway, questioned how such an incident could happen in daylight.

‘I think we need to examine who was the captain of the little boat, why was he so close, how he did not notice such a massive ship in front of him,’ Bhambra said.

His wife, Mary Bhambra, suggested security upgrades may be warranted.

Named after the pivotal June 1942 Battle of Midway, the USS Midway was built in just 17 months and commissioned on September 10, 1945, just one week after World War II ended. Pictured: The USS Midway Museum a the 'Top Gun: Maverick' World Premiere on May 4, 2022 in San Diego, California

Named after the pivotal June 1942 Battle of Midway, the USS Midway was built in just 17 months and commissioned on September 10, 1945, just one week after World War II ended. Pictured: The USS Midway Museum a the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ World Premiere on May 4, 2022 in San Diego, California

‘It’s a famous ship. Maybe a fence around it or something like that… a lookout for approaching hazards,’ she said.

The Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum have not issued additional public statements as the investigation remains ongoing.

The USS Midway is one of the most iconic features of San Diego Harbor, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Named after the pivotal June 1942 Battle of Midway, the USS Midway was built in just 17 months and commissioned on September 10, 1945, just one week after World War II ended. 

As the lead ship in a three-carrier class, it featured an armored flight deck and carried up to 120 aircrafts. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bryan Johnson reveals the new devices he's wearing to prevent dementia

Bryan Johnson Unveils Innovative Wearable Tech Aimed at Fighting Dementia

Biohacker Bryan Johnson has announced his decision to use hearing aids as…
'Frustrated' Wisconsin daycare worker allegedly broke baby's arm after slamming her into crib

Wisconsin Daycare Worker Accused of Injuring Infant by Forcefully Placing Her in Crib

A Wisconsin daycare worker, reportedly exasperated, stands accused of breaking a 3-month-old…
Doorbell prank takes turn as victim learns identity of masked teens

Unexpected Twist: Masked Teens’ Identity Revealed in Doorbell Prank Gone Viral

A chilling prank at a Virginia residence, which had police dedicating over…
Trump offers new warning on Tylenol for pregnant women

Trump Issues New Advisory on Tylenol Use During Pregnancy

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump reiterated his stance against…
Turning Point USA chapter denied official status by Loyola University New Orleans student government

Loyola University New Orleans Student Government Rejects Official Status for Turning Point USA Chapter

A student government panel at Loyola University New Orleans has refused to…
Jamaica Hurricane Melissa update: Oak Forest couple stranded in Jamaica as Category 5 hurricane closes in

Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Alert: Oak Forest Couple Stranded Amid Approaching Category 5 Storm

CHICAGO (WLS) — A potentially devastating storm is on a collision course…
Food banks are preparing for a surge as federal food aid could be paused in the government shutdown

Food Banks Brace for Impact: How a Government Shutdown Could Halt Federal Food Aid and Fuel Demand Surge

Food banks and pantries, already reeling from earlier federal program reductions, are…
Florida man convicted of raping and killing his neighbor in 1998 is set to be executed

Florida Man Convicted of 1998 Neighbor’s Rape and Murder Scheduled for Execution

In 2025, Florida is set to execute Norman Grim Jr., marking the…