Floating Restaurant Takes on Water

A floating restaurant in the Los Angeles harbor was evacuated today when it began taking on water.

The leak at the Chowder Barge at 611 N. Henry Ford Ave. was discovered about 1:55 p.m., according to Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The eatery, which is berthed at Leeward Bay Marina, was open for business at the time, Stewart said.

The premises were safely evacuated and fire department divers began checking for leaks while crews pumped water out of the vessel, she said.

A private salvage company was to take over the operations, Stewart says.

The restaurant reports that it will be open on Sunday.

--City News Service