News Stories

Civilian Vessel Crashes into USS Midway in San Diego

7/18/25 – San Diego, CA

A boat ‘veered off course’ before crashing into the historic USS Midway in San Diego

A boat ‘veered off course’ before crashing into the historic USS Midway in San Diego.

San Diego, CA – July 26, 2025 – A shocking collision occurred on July 18, 2025, when a 65-foot private motor yacht, identified as the "Offshore Lifestyle," veered significantly off course and crashed head-on into the port (left) side hull of the historic USS Midway, now a naval museum, docked in downtown San Diego. The incident, which took place around 11:54 a.m., was captured on surveillance video and quickly circulated online, drawing immediate attention from onlookers and port authorities.

 

What We Know:

  • Vessel Involved: The civilian vessel was a 65-foot motor yacht named "Offshore Lifestyle."
  • Impact Location: The boat struck the USS Midway's port-side hull.
  • Immediate Aftermath: The "Offshore Lifestyle" did not remain at the scene and attempted to flee. It was later located near the Coronado Ferry Landing in San Diego Bay.
  • Individuals Onboard: Seven individuals were found onboard the civilian vessel when authorities intercepted it.
  • No Injuries Reported: Fortunately, no injuries were reported among those on the "Offshore Lifestyle" or anyone on the USS Midway.
  • Damage to Midway: While the USS Midway's hull was not breached and there was no structural damage, initial estimates for scuffs and scratches to its specialized protective paint coating are approximately $100,000. Museum operations were not disrupted.
  • Arrest Made: The operator of the "Offshore Lifestyle" was identified as Frank D'Anna, 40 years old. He was arrested and booked into county jail on charges including:
    • Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
    • Hit and Run (Harbors and Navigation Code 656.1)
    • Operating a Vessel with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over 0.08% (Harbors and Navigation Code 655(C)) The boat was impounded.

 

Why This Happened:

While official investigations are ongoing, the arrest of the operator, Frank D'Anna, for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and operating with a BAC over the legal limit strongly indicates that human error due to impairment was the primary cause of this collision. The vessel "veering off course" before striking the massive, stationary aircraft carrier further supports the theory of impaired judgment and control. Mechanical failure has not been ruled out but appears less likely given the BUI charges.

This incident also highlights that this is not the first time the USS Midway, as a museum ship, has been involved in a collision. In August 2018, a sailboat reportedly crashed into its side, losing its mast.

 

Lesson to be Learned:

The most significant lesson to be learned from this incident is the critical importance of responsible and unimpaired operation of any vessel. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have severe consequences, not only for the operator and their passengers but also for others on the water and valuable assets like the USS Midway.

This event serves as a stark reminder that:

  1. Impairment Jeopardizes Safety: Operating a boat while impaired significantly compromises judgment, reaction time, and the ability to navigate safely, leading to dangerous and costly accidents.
  2. Vigilance is Paramount: Even in seemingly open waters or near stationary landmarks, operators must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings to avoid collisions.
  3. Accountability for Actions: Fleeing the scene of an accident only exacerbates the legal and ethical consequences. Operators are responsible for their actions and must face them.

The incident underscores the need for continued public awareness campaigns regarding boating safety and the severe penalties associated with BUI to prevent similar occurrences in the future.