Swimmers warned away from wreckage of ship

CORONADO: Coronado officials are warning swimmers and surfers to stay clear of the wreckage of the S.S. Monte Carlo, an old gambling ship that ran aground near the Coronado Shores 74 years ago. Recent heavy storms and high tides have exposed the wreck, as they have from time to time over the years. The ship was especially visible yesterday near the Shores’ El Camino tower off Silver Strand Boulevard. City crews worked yesterday to remove some of the exposed rebar from the once-300-foot concrete ship that broke in two and is mostly submerged. With tides expected to be nearly as low as yesterday, workers may try again this afternoon to remove more rebar. Director of Public Services Scott Huth said yesterday that crews can walk out during very low tides. “It doesn’t happen a lot,” Huth said. “The big storms and big surf pull the sand away and the top part is pretty exposed. Our greatest concern is that it can be dangerous.” Lifeguards, who have posted signs warning of an underwater obstruction, say they will keep a close eye on beachgoers this weekend. Source: Union Tribune JANINE ZÚÑIGA