Oak Harbor Moves Quickly to Repair Marina After Storm Damage

Oak Harbor city leaders enacted emergency measures on Jan. 6, 2026 to address substantial damage at the Oak Harbor Marina caused by high winds on Dec. 16. City staff reported detached and migrated breakwater panels concentrated along the north side of F dock, broken through-rods that hold float sections together, a separated log boom, several damaged floats and two heavily battered boats. Those immediate hazards prompted an accelerated response focused on public safety and rapid repair.

To move repairs forward without the delays of standard competitive bidding, the city requested a resolution declaring the need for emergency repairs and to authorize procurement exceptions. Staff said the step will allow work to begin more quickly with the marina's contracted marine engineering firm, Moffatt & Nichol, and construction contractor American Construction, which are scoping repairs and preparing cost estimates. Planned repair tasks include cutting free hanging panels, replacing broken through-rods, cement repairs and installing new whalers to stabilize float connections.

City crews and contractors already carried out interim public-safety actions to reduce risk to people and property. Vessel owners were notified of damage and asked to take precautions. Staff cut water service to a damaged dock to reduce additional load and potential hazards, re-secured the log boom to limit drifting debris, moved vulnerable vessels to safer berths and deployed divers to recover fallen panels from the water. Access to the most damaged dock areas will remain restricted until repairs are complete.

Insurance recovery is being explored as the city inventories damage and refines cost estimates; the marina insurance deductible has been noted at $100,000, which will factor into repair funding decisions. City officials expect phased operations at the marina to resume around February, contingent on the pace of repairs and weather conditions.

For Island County residents, the damage and repair timeline carry practical impacts: some slips and dock sections will be off-limits for weeks, boat owners should watch for direct notifications from the city and marina management, and public-use areas adjacent to the marina may see temporary closures. The rapid emergency procurement and the involvement of an established marine engineer and contractor aim to restore safe access quickly while containing costs and limiting disruption to local marine traffic, recreation and businesses that rely on the harbor.