Charleroi boat launch reopens

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
After more than three months, but plenty of summer still left to go, the boat launch in Charleroi has been replaced.
The launch had been out of commission since early May when a portion of the walkway leading to the dock collapsed with several first responders on it.
Fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr. said at that time they had been called to the area for a report of a rope being tied to something under the water, which at the time they thought was a boat.
Several responders from various neighboring departments responded that day to help when the ramp partially collapsed with about six or seven people on it.
While no one was injured in that accident, it had to be shut down.
Whiten said in the week or so after the initial report, they learned it was a sunken, abandoned Jet Ski about 20-feet out into the river.
Until water levels are lower, crews decided to leave it there until it is easier to access and remove.
“Everyone was standing on the walkway to where the dock was and it just gave way,” Whiten said.

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